The 2025 “Zhaoshang Sub-district Cup” International Youth Football Carnival, guided by the Nanshan District Foreign Affairs Office, Education Bureau, and Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau, was held at the Shekou Sports Center on Dec. 6. The event was hosted by the Zhaoshang Sub-district Office and the Nanshan International Cultural Exchange & Service Center.

Participants pose for a group photo at the carnival. Photos courtesy of the organizers

The carnival brought together multiple international schools. These included schools from the Yucai Education Group (First, Second, and Third Primary Schools) and international institutions such as the Korean International School (KIS), Shenzhen American International School (SAIS), and QSI International School of Shenzhen.

Six youth teams participated in the friendly matches, formed through a draw. Young players of different nationalities and languages communicated football skills through positioning, passing, and teamwork, enhancing mutual understanding and fully realizing the event’s goal of “building friendships through football.”

In addition to the youth matches, teams composed of teachers from the participating schools delivered an exciting exhibition match.The teachers showcased professional-level skill and sporting charm through their composed and proficient play.

Furthermore, international friends participating in the “Discover Nanshan – Global Vitality & Eco Trip” joined the exhibition match. Their mixed-gender team, formed after brief practice, displayed immense enthusiasm on the pitch.

During breaks in the matches, students from the various schools performed wonderful cultural programs. The blend of dynamic melodies and energetic dances perfectly fused the competitive atmosphere with artistic appeal.

Beyond the main matches, football-themed challenge activities like dribbling around cones and keepy-uppy attracted many local and international youth. Many community residents also attended voluntarily to watch and participate.

The carnival also featured an FPV drone interactive experience zone, adding a sense of technology and ceremony to the event. Through these relaxed interactions, Chinese and international students and residents exchanged football skills and promoted football culture, further deepening connections within families and the community.

A representative from the Zhaoshang Sub-district Office stated that the inaugural “Zhaoshang Sub-district Cup” International Youth Football Carnival has not only enriched the extracurricular cultural and sports lives of youth but also established an international exchange platform.