The Battle of China's Young Footballers

A bare patch of yellow earth, a handwritten audition poster, and a gamble with no regard for the cost.

When barefoot boy Kuang Zhaolei from Guangzhou, midfield general Wan Xiang from Qitaihe, iron-willed defender Zhou Yunuo from Nanjing, speedy dribbler Li Haoyan, metronome Liu Kaiyuan with his pinpoint long passes, and dozens of other children gather together, they bring with them young footballers of every age. They have no professional pitch, no top-tier gear, and not even a jersey with an official number, so they have to draw the numbers on themselves. Yet these boys from all corners of the country, of different ages, carry the hottest dreams of football in their hearts and run with all their might through mud and sweat.

Dong Lu, an ordinary football commentator, pours in his savings and stakes his future just to give children who love football a chance. From dust rising on a dirt field to the green pitch roaring with life at international tournaments; from unnoticed, solitary training to cheers and applause from the crowd, this is not only a journey in which a group of boys of different ages chase their dreams, but also a passionate expedition of love, perseverance, and hope.

Fight on, China’s young footballers! The whistle won’t stop, and neither will the fight!!!