The 43rd ‘Baidui Cup’ Football Tournament, a cornerstone of youth football in Beijing, concluded recently, drawing a record-breaking 20,000 young players from 1,481 teams. This year marked the first time the tournament implemented a ‘two-track’ system, dividing participants into Popularization and Competitive groups, a move that reflects its evolution from a simple amateur event to a comprehensive youth football framework.
Established in 1984, the Baidui Cup is one of China’s longest-running youth amateur football tournaments and the only national youth event that has been held continuously without interruption. This year’s edition expanded its reach by separating the competition into two distinct tracks. The Popularization Group, open to all young enthusiasts, emphasizes ‘joyful participation and free team formation,’ covering 14 age categories from six-year-olds to high school students. In the youngest category, no rankings are kept, and all participants receive awards, aiming to foster early interest and broaden the grassroots base. The Competitive Group, designed for professional club youth academies, sports schools, and school representative teams, includes 10 age categories from 8 to 17. This track provides a high-level competitive environment to improve talent selection for reserve teams.
The new format has been praised by officials. A representative from the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau noted that the ‘two-track’ system signifies the Baidui Cup’s transformation into a holistic youth tournament system that equally values participation and excellence, offering a model for refining youth football competitions.
The tournament also featured prominent figures from the football world. Fu Ming, an international referee who officiated at the FIFA World Cup 2026, took charge of Competitive Group matches and encouraged young players with the advice, ‘Win on the condition that you enjoy the game.’ Shao Jiayi, the tournament’s image ambassador and head coach of the Chinese men’s national football team, presented awards to the winning teams and urged the children to compete with courage.
For many participants and spectators, the Baidui Cup is more than just a tournament; it is a cherished summer tradition. A post-80s football enthusiast who played in the tournament as a child and now coaches a team described it as ‘Beijing’s very own World Cup for its children.’ The event has become a cultural touchstone, creating lasting memories for generations of Beijing residents and reinforcing the city’s identity as a hub for football.
The tournament’s success underscores the growing popularity of youth football in China and the importance of providing accessible platforms for young players to develop their skills and passion for the game. With its innovative two-track system, the Baidui Cup is set to continue nurturing the next generation of football talent while celebrating the joy of the sport.
