Students from the Boylok school in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, won top prizes in a soccer game held by Xinjiang's soccer association. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Soccer education is thriving in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, as 59 primary and secondary schools and 108 kindergartens in the region have recently been named as schools featuring soccer training.

The Ministry of Education has recognized a district in Karamay as a pilot district for campus soccer, while naming Yining as a city for holding national junior soccer training camps.

The government has supported schools in Xinjiang as they foster children's interest in the sport and promote high-quality coaching, training and competition.

The Boylok school in Turpan holds soccer games each month. Teams organized by grade compete.

Students participate in soccer training at Wensu No 4 High School in Xinjiang's Wensu county. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Bakri Rexat, a physical education teacher, said the school launched the program several years ago. Children can learn about the sport and acquire basic skills, which helps strengthen their will to continue.

"The quality of soccer education and the sports facilities have improved gradually," he said. "Soccer teams have also expanded remarkably. We are now reaping the rewards of all the hard work."

"The school's soccer teams have won national awards, and some players have received offers from top junior soccer clubs," he said, adding that a student named Aksan Aani had been invited by the youth camp of Guangzhou Evergrande Football Club.

Wensu No 4 High School in Wensu county has soccer training classes every morning and regularly holds soccer matches. The school encourages students to forge a team spirit and keep fit through the game.

Students participate in soccer training at Wensu No 4 High School in Xinjiang's Wensu county. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]