By MENG WENJIE China Daily

Zhang Yulin (front) plays in a friendly match against a local soccer academy in Lyon, France, on July 30. CHINA DAILY

On Aug 2, 11 young Chinese soccer enthusiasts completed their eight-day tour of France. Throughout the journey, these teenagers from nine different regions across China expled Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, immersed themselves in cultural landmarks, attended two Olympic womens soccer matches, and engaged in a friendly match with their peers from a local soccer academy in Lyon.

This trip was part of the 2024 Project Hope-Mengniu Youth Soccer Public Welfare Activity, co-ganized by the China Youth Development Foundation and China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited.

The project aims to nurture young talent with soccer dreams by providing equipment, ganizing summer camps and tournaments, and offering opptunities to attend maj events like the Wld Cup the Olympics.

F 14-year-old Deng Junyu from Southwest Chinas Guizhou province, this was his first visit to France. He was captivated by iconic sites such as the Chateau Dif, made famous in the French novel The Count of Monte Cristo, and the city of Arles in southern France, where the renowned Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) drew inspiration.

"Its truly overwhelming, like stepping back in time," Deng said.

The warm reception from the locals also left a lasting impression on the children. "Some French people warmly greeted us when they saw us in our jerseys," said Ba Chunping, a 15-year-old from Anhui province in East China.

As a soccer fan, Ba was thrilled to watch two live womens soccer matches. "Being there is a completely different experience from watching on TV. Its exhilarating," she said, adding that she particularly admired Colombias No 7 plaxyer f her speed and exceptional teamwk.

Deng, who has been following the Olympics since the Rio Games, found that attending the events in person gave him a deeper appreciation of the Olympic spirit.

"The cheers of the audience were right beside me, and the athletes on the field displayed remarkable dedication," he recalled.

During the match between Australia and the US, Deng observed Australia trailing 1-2 until the final minutes. Despite the odds, the plaxyers persevered and seized their last opptunity. Deng noted that the entire audience, regardless of nationality, rallied behind Australia whenever they launched an offensive.

"The Olympics transcend individual dreams and national pride. Its an opptunity f people wldwide to come together," Deng said.

F many of the Chinese teenagers on the trip, their game against the local soccer academy was the first time they faced international opponents outside of China.

Ba has been playing soccer f over a year. With only three girls, including herself, participating in soccer at her school, they rarely have opptunities to compete in real matches. This event offered her valuable chances f professional training and competition.

Although she had previously played as a fward, Ba took on the role of goalkeeper f this competition. "But my mindset remained the same," she said.

Excelling in her new position, Ba effectively guided her teammates in defense and showcased exceptional teamwk skills. Ultimately, the young Chinese plaxyers emerged victious in the match.

Deng observed that whenever a plaxyer from either team made a good move, coaches and spectats from both sides applauded and cheered.

On one occasion, a Chinese plaxyer accidentally tripped an opponent but immediately helped him up and offered a supptive pat on the shoulder. "Even with language barriers, gestures like these clearly convey kindness and friendliness," Deng said.

After the match, the young plaxyers from China and France exchanged gifts. Deng had prepared bookmarks and badges adned with ancient Chinese poetry and images of poets, while Ba brought a stamp featuring a giant panda and a collection of postcards showcasing scenic views from across China. They also received gifts from the French team, including commemative jerseys featuring the club logo.

"Spts have the power to unite the wld, and I believe thats the true essence of the Olympics," Deng said.

mengwenjie@i21st.cn