Chinese Soccer Research Articles

Spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of youth soccer specialty schools in China

Youth soccer specialty schools are the primary project to strengthen the foundation of soccer talents, improve the level of soccer development, and achieve the dream of Chinese soccer. Taking 32,775 soccer specialty schools in China as the research sample, ArcGIS spatial analysis technology is used to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of soccer specialty schools and their influencing factors. The analysis shows that the overall distribution of the country forms five quantity concentration area and eight high-density core areas, with a high degree of spatial concentration and significant differences between the East and West. The factors influencing soccer specialty schools include nine factors in four dimensions: historical development, geographical environment, socio-economic, and educational resources. It was found that geographic environment and socio-economy provide the foundation and background for developing educational resources. However, the direct role of educational resources is more significant in a specific educational program, such as soccer specialty schools, followed by socio-economy and geographic environment. This study comprehensively analyzes and interprets soccer specialty schools’ spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors. These results enrich the research on the spatial layout of sports, providing necessary theoretical support and practical references for the layout and high-quality development of related industries in China and other countries or regions.

Posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, depression, and healthrelated quality of life in Chinese soccer players: Resilience as a moderator

This study examined the relationships among posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese soccer players, and investigated the moderating role of resilience in these relationships. Respondents (n = 356) completed the Short-Form PTSD Checklist-5, Insomnia Severity Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Structural equation and simple slope analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 26.0. The results showed that PTSD had a significant negative impact on HRQoL in soccer players. Insomnia and depression acted as chain mediators between PTSD and HRQoL, and resilience inversely moderated the effects of insomnia on depression, as well as attenuating the negative impact of depression on HRQoL. These findings provide a theoretical basis for relevant government departments, experts, and coaches to develop and adopt effective interventions.

Development of Male Soccer Training Model for Primary School Students in Guangzhou City

Background and Aim: Chinese soccer is progressing towards a more organized league structure, with relatively mature standardized systems, institutional models, and market operational mechanisms in place. However, upon closer examination, it's evident that there are still many issues and contradictions within Chinese soccer. This research aims to develop a male soccer training model for primary school students in Guangzhou city. Materials and Methods: This research is survey research. The research involves the following participants: (1) 7 coaches and 70 student athletes from primary school soccer teams, professional soccer clubs, and amateur sports school soccer classes in Guangzhou city, who participated in the questionnaire survey; (2) 7 experts engaged in discussions on the current state of male soccer reserve talent development through interviews; (3) 19 experts involved in the Delphi consensus process to develop the male soccer training model for primary school students in Guangzhou City; (4) 9 experts participating in connoisseurship to confirm the male soccer training model. The consensus data obtained from the study underwent analysis utilizing the median and interquartile range. The analysis criteria were established with a median threshold of ≥ 3.50 and an interquartile range constraint of ≤ 1.50. Results: Based on POLC management principles the factors for developing a male soccer training model for primary school students were divided into four aspects as follows: (1) Planning, which consists of 7 factors; (2) Organizing, which consists of 8 factors; (3) Leading, it consists of 9 factors; and (4) Controlling, it consists of 9 factors. Conclusion: This model grounded in the POLC management principles, aims to provide a framework for the effective and sustainable development of the male soccer training model for primary school students in Guangzhou City. Regular reviews and adaptations in line with these principles will contribute to the program's success in nurturing young talents in both soccer and personal development.

Analysis of the physical morphology and athletic performance of local and naturalised players in the Chinese Super League

ABSTRACT Background: The integration of naturalized players in Chinese soccer since 2019 has sparked significant debate, with mixed results raising questions about the effectiveness of this policy in improving the national team’s performance. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the differences in physical morphology and athletic performance between local and naturalized players in the Chinese Super League to assess the impact of naturalization on the national team’s competitiveness. Methods: Utilizing the AMISCO computerized tracking system, we collected and analyzed data from 561 matches spanning the 2019-2021 seasons. Employing mixed linear models, we examined the variance in key physical morphology and performance-related variables, with standardized differences assessed through Magnitude-Based Inference (MBI). Results: Our findings indicate modest but significant differences in physical morphology between local and naturalized defenders (P < 0.05, -0.32 < ES < -0.42). Performance-wise, naturalized defenders outperformed local counterparts in both technical and tactical aspects and demonstrated superior high-intensity running capabilities. Similarly, naturalized midfielders showed a slight edge over local midfielders in technical, tactical, and running proficiency. Conversely, local forwards exhibited marginally better technical and tactical performance compared to their naturalized counterparts, albeit with minimal differences in running ability. Conclusion: This study reveals that while naturalized players demonstrate certain advantages in physical morphology and athletic performance compared to local players in the Chinese Super League, these advantages are not consistent across all positions.

Analysis On The Phenomenon Of Guizhou Rural Football Super League Based On The Systematic Literature Review

In recent years, the "Village Super League" phenomenon in Guizhou Province has attracted much attention. As an emerging force in Chinese soccer in recent years, the rise and rapid popularity of Guizhou's "Village Super League" phenomenon has not only attracted the attention of soccer fans, but also attracted extensive attention from the communication field. The emergence of this phenomenon not only shows the charm of rural culture, but also brings new research perspectives for communication studies. In this paper, we will study the phenomenon of "Village Super League" in Guizhou from the perspective of communication science. This paper adopts the analytical method of systematic literature review to categorize and analyze the communication phenomenon of Guizhou's "Village Super League". It is found that the core communication phenomenon includes the promotion of social media, the influence of the media public, the dissemination of cultural tourism with regional characteristics, the dissemination of traditional cultural elements, the dissemination of the story of the fate of individual villagers, the support and participation of well-known personnel, and the creation of the nature of public welfare and social influence, and a communication model of the phenomenon of Guizhou's "village supremacy" has been drawn up according to the communication intensity of each of these seven points. The communication model of Guizhou's "Village Super League" phenomenon is drawn according to the communication strength of each point. It also draws a communication model for the "Village Super League" phenomenon in Guizhou according to the communication strength of each point, thus providing new research perspectives and references for researchers.

Fangirl or Qualified Fan: Identity Construction of Female Chinese Soccer Fans

Research on sports fans has increased in line with Chinas ambition to become a leading sports nation. However, studies regarding female Chinese soccer fans are still insufficient. Based on semi-structured interviews with Chinese female soccer fans and cyber ethnography, findings suggest that apart from similar identity construction practices to male fans, female fans show typical motivations and behaviors in the establishment of fan identity. This is mainly about emphasis and display of emotions, which reflect traits of female gender roles. Because of the social expectation that women play an expressive role when female fans enter the soccer field, which is dominated by instrumentality and masculinity, they may face mild or severe rejection. As a result, their identity as soccer fans may also be threatened. The study concludes that female fans are able to construct their identity in unique ways and that their criteria for becoming qualified fans are influenced by internalized gender role norms.

Daytime sleepiness in Chinese professional, semi professional and students soccer players in the Shanghai lockdown

PurposeApril-May 2021 Shanghai city was under strict lockdown. Soccer players suffered from the restrictions, being unable to train and have a social life. The aim of this study was to compare differences in daytime sleepiness between genders and qualification levels in a cohort university Chinese soccer player under 0 Covid policy restrictions in the urban area of Shanghai.Methods491 questionnaires of Epworth Sleepiness Scales (ESS) were compiled online by male and female Soccer Students (SS), Semi-Professional players (SP) and Professional Players (PP) during the ongoing restriction measures post Shanghai lockdown. ANOVA was performed for players levels and gender.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the 3 levels and between males and females. PP showed a very low score in the ESS (5,97) well below the threshold of 8 for daytime sleepiness, while SS and SP showed an ESS score above the threshold. Female showed higher scores in comparison to males. Differences between males and females reflect the confinement conditions in the ESS items, showing more difference in the item of ESS which are related with indoor situations.ConclusionsThis study shows the first data on sleepiness in Chinese soccer players of different level of qualification immediately post lockdown condition. Professional male’s players sleepiness was lower, than females, SS and SP after the exceptional lockdown measures. The reasons can reside in the more ordered lifestyle of PP in comparison to SS and SP, which mitigated the effects of the lockdown. Our results suggest that measures to improve sleep in females’ soccer player should be adopted if these exceptional conditions will happen again.

An analysis of ball possession and unbalanced number in small-sided games: a comparative study with Chinese and foreign soccer players

ABSTRACT This study analysed the performance of Chinese Under-23 soccer players during ball possession Small-Sided Games (SSGs), compared to foreign players. Unbalanced number formats (4v2, 4v4 and 4v6) were performed on a 30 × 25 m playing area, 4 sets of 4 min each with 4 min of active recovery between bouts, under opposition- and cooperation-based perspectives. Data were collected on External Workload (Walking, Running, Sprinting, Max speed and Sprint number), Internal Load of Perceptions (Rating of Perceived Exertion, RPE) and Tactical Individual Actions (Max passing speed, Passing number and with Dominant and Non-dominant foot). An Independent Samples T-Test and Cohen’s d Effect Sizes were conducted to compare both groups. A higher number of differences were observed on the cooperation-based perspective. Generally, foreign players performed more tactical individual actions and intensive external workload. In contrast, Chinese players walked more and scored higher RPE. On this basis, it appears that foreign players have a better team-play experience and ability to adapt to game constraints more easily. This investigation provides insight information about players’ development and to understand the evolution of Chinese soccer that coaches should consider before working on this specific environment.

Causes and Solutions to the Current Dilemma of Chinese Youth Women's Soccer

Chinese teenage women's soccer is often overlooked in China's overall efforts to improve sports literacy and develop soccer talent. This research paper explores the reasons for why Chinese girls' soccer has not expanded in popularity. My research methods included an online survey with over 100 respondents and extensive literature review, covering Chinese sociology and studies on Chinese soccer. This paper will argue that Chinese girls soccer's development is hindered by traditional ideas in society around gender and insufficient government support. These social elements limit the popularity of amateur female soccer, and also creates unfriendly sports policies for female athletes, and slows down the development of Chinese girls' soccer. Based on the current situation and needs of change and innovation in Chinese women's soccer, this paper examines the existing problems and offers detailed solutions for improving the imbalance between men and women's soccer.

“Are you a Dalao?”: The Use of Dalao in a Chinese Soccer Community

“Are you a Dalao?”: The Use of Dalao in a Chinese Soccer Community

Patellofemoral Pain, Q-Angle, and Performance in Female Chinese Collegiate Soccer Players.

Background and objective: Female sports injuries have been neglected by science, and few relevant studies have considered female subjects. Knee pain in female soccer players is more common than in male soccer players. The number of days of absence from training and competition has been shown to be higher in females than males. The reporting of knee pain is common in female soccer players, but whether knee pain is associated with morphological features is unclear. The Q-angle of the knee has been hypothesized to be a causal factor in knee pain. Asian females have shown higher levels of valgus than non-sporting Caucasian populations, but no data exist for female Chinese players. The aim of our study was to investigate whether there are associations between knee pain, the Q-angle of the lower limb, jump performance, play time, and perceived exertion in female Chinese collegiate soccer players. Materials and Methods: We measured the Q-angle, patellofemoral/anterior knee pain (SNAPPS questionnaire), and CMJ and SJ performance of 21 subjects (age: 20.09 ± 1.13 years, weight: 56.9 ± 6.26 kg, height: 164.24 ± 4.48 cm, and >10 years of practice) before and after a match; Borg scale and play time results were also recorded. Results: We found that our studied group had higher Q-angles in comparison to other ethnic groups reported in the literature, as well as an association of the Q-angle with the age, height, and weight of the players; however, contrary to other studies, we did not find any association between the Q-angle and knee pain, jumps, play time, or perceived exertion. Knee pain was not associated with any of the measured variables. Conclusions: Female Chinese soccer players showed higher Q-angles than players of other ethnic groups, a result that was associated with anthropometrics. The Q-angle was not found to be associated with knee pain, for which the sole determinant was body height.

APLICAÇÃO DO TREINAMENTO FUNCIONAL NA APTIDÃO FÍSICA DO FUTEBOL

ABSTRACT Introduction Although Chinese soccer has experienced many updates in its methods, there is still a large gap in players’ physical endurance compared to the world powers. Therefore, strengthening soccer players’ physical endurance through specific training methods is important in optimizing current performance. Objective Study the application of functional training in soccer players’ physical conditioning. Methods 20 junior soccer physical education student-athletes in colleges and universities were selected as the research object. The global functional training was divided into three stages: practice, adaptation, and promotion. Data were compared, integrated, and analyzed before and after the intervention. Results Conducting targeted functional training for soccer players can effectively increase athletes’ physical endurance, reducing sports injuries and improving overall fitness scores at the technical and stability level. Conclusion From the research of this article, it can be seen that there is a lack of physical fitness and technical strength in Chinese soccer today. The performance of targeted functional training is relevant and should be applied to soccer training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

CAPACITAÇÃO PSICOLÓGICA DE JOGADORES DE FUTEBOL A NÍVEL DE COMPETIÇÃO

ABSTRACT Introduction: Competitive sports compete for technology, tactics and physical fitness. There is also competition for the psychological quality of athletes. There is an intrinsic connection between athletes’ mental state in competition and their psychological characteristics. Objective: Explore the influence of soccer players’ psychological characteristics on the level of competition. Methods: This paper investigates 220 soccer players using a questionnaire. In this database, variance analysis, multiple comparisons, factor analysis and other statistical analysis methods were used to ascertain the psychological status of Chinese soccer players. Finally, the factors affecting the psychological characteristics of soccer players were analyzed. Results: There were differences in the psychological characteristics of soccer players at different positions and levels. Conclusion: There are specific variations in psychological status among different types of players. The factors that influence the anxiety level of soccer players are a multidimensional system. It contains both subjective and objective content. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

How to Balance the Foreign Players and Local Players to Develop Chinese Soccer

Foreign athletes are a common phenomenon in all kinds of leagues around the world. It not only contributes effectively to the improvement in performance but also leads to an active football market. But in the Chinese soccer league, a low-level soccer league, how to utilize these international super players to improve the skills and tactics of local players is significant to change the current situation in the Chinese soccer environment. This research could be conducted through observation, SWOT analysis, and literature review methods to analyze how international players drive the development of local players and improve the development of Chinese soccer. The result shows that to improve the youth football training system, the CFA should make thorough policies or rules, expand the number of teams, improve the management system of football agents and clubs should establish a sound system for the management and introduction of foreign players.

The Association between Occupational Stress and Mental Health among Chinese Soccer Referees in the Early Stage of Reopening Soccer Matches during the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: A Moderated Mediation Model.

The sudden and unpredictable changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are a serious threat to the occupational stress and mental health of referees worldwide, which has not attracted widespread attention. The mental health of football referees has a certain influence on their job satisfaction or the accuracy of judgments. This study constructed a moderated mediation model to explore the buffer factors between occupational stress and mental health in Chinese soccer referees in the early stage of reopening soccer matches during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Data from 317 Chinese soccer referees (aged 19-45) were collected through an online questionnaire in September-October 2022. Occupational stress, mental health, job burnout and perceived social support were measured, and moderated mediation model was analyzed. The results of this study showed that occupational stress was negatively correlated with mental health through the mediating effect of job burnout and the moderated effect of perceived social support after controlling for demographic variables. Specifically, the association between occupational stress and mental health was weaker when perceived social support was higher and stronger. The results demonstrate that job burnout and perceived social support played important roles in buffering the negative effects of occupational stress on the mental health of Chinese soccer referees in the early stage of reopening soccer matches during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The findings provide implications for mental health interventions in soccer referees during the public health crises.

Problems with Chinese Soccer Development and Corresponding Solutions

China women ‘s soccer has an increasing influence on Chinese football and the notability of the team had risen significantly. However, there is low participation of women in football in China due to several reasons including lack of sports engagement, lack of education in schools, lack of broadcasting of women football, and lack of funds for development. This essay presents numbers of ways can China Football Association, Government, and social media to execute to encourage more participation of women’s soccer. In terms of China Football Association, encouraging more competition can attracts audience and build positive female model to teenagers. As for government, subsiding schools that lack of money for facilities and education. Turn to social media, broadcasting women’s soccer to different platform can allow more people to notice it. Some previous data shows that these ways can effectively facilitate the development of women’s football in China.

The evaluation of playing styles integrating with contextual variables in professional soccer.

PurposePlaying styles play a key role in winning soccer matches, but the technical and physical styles of play between home and away match considering team quality in the Chinese Soccer Super League (CSL) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the technical and physical styles of play between home and away matches integrating with team quality in the CSL.Materials and methodsThe study sample consists of 480 performance records from 240 matches during the 2019 competitive season in the CSL. These match events were collected using a semi-automatic computerized video tracking system, Amisco Pro®. A k-means cluster analysis was used to evaluate team quality and then using principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the playing styles between home and away matches according to team quality. Differences between home and away matches in terms of playing styles were analyzed using a linear mixed model.ResultsOur study found that PC1 presented a positive correlation with physical-related variables such as HIRD, HIRE, HSRD, and HSRE while PC2 was positively associated with the passing-related variables such as Pass, FPass, PassAcc, and FPAcc. Therefore, PC1 typically represents intense-play styles while PC2 represents possession-play styles at home and away matches, respectively. In addition, strong teams preferred to utilize intensity play whereas medium and weak teams utilized possession play whenever playing at home or away matches. Furthermore, the first five teams in the final overall ranking in the CSL presented a compensated technical-physical playing style whereas the last five teams showed inferior performance in terms of intensity and possession play.ConclusionIntensity or possession play was associated with the final overall ranking in the CSL, and playing styles that combine these two factors could be more liable to win the competition. Our study provides a detailed explanation for the impact of playing styles on match performances whereby coaches can adjust and combine different playing styles for ultimate success.

Collectivism Impairs Team Performance When Relational Goals Conflict With Group Goals.

This research challenges the idea that teams from more collectivistic cultures tend to perform better. We propose that in contexts in which there are tradeoffs between group goals (i.e., what is best for the group) and relational goals (i.e., what is best for one's relationships with specific group members), people in less collectivistic cultures primarily focus on group goals but those in more collectivistic cultures focus on both group and relational goals, which can lead to suboptimal decisions. An archival analysis of 100 years of data across three major competitive team sports found that teams from more collectivistic nations consistently underperformed, even after controlling for a number of nation and team characteristics. Three follow-up studies with 108 Chinese soccer players, 109 Singapore students, and 119 Chinese and the U.S. adults provided evidence for the underlying mechanism (i.e., prioritizing relational goals over group goals). Overall, this research suggests a more balanced view of collectivism, highlighting an important context in which collectivism can impair team performance.

Impact of absent crowds on technical and physical performances in the Chinese Soccer Super League.

PurposeSpectators have a significant impact on match performances in soccer, but to what extent crowd support contributes to the technical and physical performances remains unclear. This study aimed to (1) investigate the differences in terms of technical and physical performances with and without spectators; and (2) identify the key factors differentiating between win and loss when playing with and without the presence of an audience.MethodsOur study examined 794 performance records from 397 matches during the 2019–2020 seasons in the Chinese Soccer Super League. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-logistic regression was utilized to select significant predictors. Using an independent t-test and the Mann–Whitney non-parametric test explores the difference between matches with and without spectators. Key factors between win and loss were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.ResultsOur study found that cross (p < 0.01, ES = −0.24), shots (p < 0.001, ES = −0.25), and shot accuracy (p < 0.05, ES = −0.18) displayed decreasing trends whereas sprint distances (p < 0.05, ES = 0.16) presented an increasing trend without spectators comparing with the crowd support. Moreover, the above three technical variables were the main factors differentiating between wins and losses. Similarly, team and opponent quality remained important potential factors affecting the match outcome.ConclusionMatch outcome or team performance is determined by a myriad of factors, but there are clear differences in technical and physical performances between matches with and without the presence of an audience. Similarly, our study provides a better explanation for the impact of crowd support on match performances whereby coaches can deploy players and adjust match strategies for ultimate success.

Physical Fitness and Performance in Talented & Untalented Young Chinese Soccer Players.

Sports performance is a complex process that involves many factors, including ethnic and racial differences. China’s youth soccer is in a process of constant development, although information about the characteristics of its players and their methodological systems is scarce. The aim of this retrospective study was to characterize the physical fitness and the competitive performance of 722 Chinese players of three sports categories (8.0–9.9, 10.0–11.9 and 12.0–13.9 years), who were classified by their coaches as talented (n = 204) or untalented (n = 518). Players were assessed for anthropometry (body height, body mass, body mass index), lung capacity (Forced Vital Capacity), jumping performance (Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump and Abalakov tests), sprinting performance (10 m and 30 m Sprint tests), agility performance (Repeated Side-Step test) and flexibility (Sit & Reach test). A descriptive, comparative, correlational and multivariate analysis was performed. Competitive ranking was created in order to act as dependent variable in multiple linear regression analysis. Results indicate that Chinese players classified as talented have better motor performance than untalented ones. However, these differences are neither related nor determine the competitive performance of one group or the other.