Students train on the field of Nantong Zilang No 1 Primary School. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

More than 30 young football players were training on the field of Nantong Zilang No 1 Primary School on Sept 15, attracting photographers from renowned media outlets from all over the world.

The primary school's football team has been playing a vital role since the school's establishment in September 2019. Originally comprised of 21 members, the team has since grown to have 39 members who take part in vigorous training every day from 6:00 am to 7:00 am and 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

Over the past two years, the football team has taken part in city-level competitions and provincial competitions.

Qin Qiang, coach of the football team, was a professional football player that played for Hangzhou Wuyue Qiantang in China's League 1. After retiring, he decided to become a football coach at the primary school.

"My favorite football player is Lionel Messi and I want to be a professional football player like my coach when I grow up," said 11-year-old Yang Zhongbao, who was selected from another primary school to be enrolled at Nantong Zilang No 1 Primary School as a football talent.

The students are enjoying a better training environment and policy support, thus they balance school studies and football training well, Qin said.