The "3+4" model ignites lively discussions among 15 top school teams in the region: addressing the biggest challenge in youth training.

Written by Zuo Rui and Han Bing During the masterclass at the "Century-old Elite Schools Cup" in Hengyang, over a hundred students, coaches, and parents were introduced to Zhangjiakou’s "3+4" integrated system, which unsurprisingly created quite a stir. This is a bold educational experiment in the development of campus football. Compared to the traditional sports school approach or the special recruitment of sports talents, the "Zhangjiakou Model" balances academic and football commitments, solving a long-standing problem, and also provides a safety net for football talent to transition into professional careers or other employment paths.

Over the years, with the broader goal of steady youth football development, various campus football initiatives have been tried. Before Zhangjiakou implemented its "3+4" system, only Shanghai University of Sport and Shandong Sport University had similar pilot programs in China. With the Zhangjiakou Winter Sports School participating in the second "Century-old Elite Schools Football Exchange" (junior high division), players, coaches, parents, and even local football professionals in Hengyang gained a direct and thorough understanding of this innovative approach over six days of observation and discussion. The feedback sparked by this "3+4" system can truly be described as a ripple effect across the community.

The "3+4" integrated development model of the "Zhangjiakou Model" has been met with widespread praise and admiration.

Yang Chengdong, the head coach of Chuxiong No.1 High School in Yunnan, has worked in campus football for over thirty years. At 56, he gave high marks to Zhangjiakou’s "3+4" system, calling it a “tremendous breakthrough” for the growth of football in China: “It guarantees the professionalism of football, the consistency of youth training, and the enthusiasm and effort of those involved, relieving parents and students of their worries. If Chuxiong’s schools could establish a similar integrated pathway with our local normal university, youth players would have a public university as a fallback even if they didn’t take the college entrance exam. I believe this would greatly boost enthusiasm and participation in football in Chuxiong, and improve the quality and competitiveness of our youth training. Of course, the environment and conditions in Chuxiong differ from Zhangjiakou, and it would be challenging to replicate such a high-standard system immediately, since it’s not something two schools alone can decide.”

▲ Yang Chengdong, head coach of Chuxiong No.1 High School

Coach Yang Chengdong believes that the "Zhangjiakou Model" proves there is still much room to explore in campus football development: “Different regions have different football resources. How can each area maximize its advantages and create better conditions for the growth of campus football and professional talent? This is a question all football professionals should study and implement seriously.”

Pu Weitong, assistant coach at Chengdu Huaxi Middle School, was a university lecturer and part-time coach for the Chengdu Football Association before returning to his alma mater. He learned about Chen Tao’s work at Zhangjiakou Winter Sports School through reports shared by many Chengdu football coaches: “From my perspective, he left a prestigious position as national team assistant coach for what seems like a smaller stage, but one that values his personal contribution and trusts his expertise even more.”

In Pu Weitong’s view, Zhangjiakou’s "3+4" model is a promising experiment: “Our school, like many others in this tournament, trains a group of players in junior high, filters some through the high school entrance exam, and then brings in new talent—a more traditional cycle. Our principal, Shi Xiaobo, has a broad vision. If he recognizes the value of the '3+4' system, he might seek more resources from Chengdu’s education sector and try to move in that direction.”

▲ Coach Pu Weitong, Chengdu Huaxi Middle School

Unlike the support from Chuxiong No.1 and Huaxi Middle School coaches, Wang Youzhi, team leader of Hefei No.50 Middle School East Campus, candidly stated that while the "3+4" system is undoubtedly a good direction for campus football, the situation varies across the country and such a new approach may not be easily replicated elsewhere. He noted that the current "631" model promoted by the Chinese Football Association targets the integration of youth training at the primary, junior, and senior high school levels, while "3+4" bridges the gap from high school to university, serving as a strong supplement to "631".

Wang Youzhi pointed out that even implementing the "631" policy in Hefei has encountered difficulties. For example, the primary school stage, the “6,” is better executed, but the “3” and “1” at the middle and high school levels have not secured the best schools. At present, advancing toward a "3+4" system in Hefei would require consensus between secondary and higher education institutions, as well as the same level of commitment seen in Zhangjiakou. The necessary groundwork still needs to be laid.

▲ Wang Youzhi, team leader, Hefei No.50 Middle School East Campus

Coach Chen Zhenfeng from Kunming No.1 Middle School Xishan Branch believes that, at least for now, Zhangjiakou’s "3+4" model offers a new pathway for football talents. He explained that football-specialized students in Kunming face fierce competition both moving from junior high to high school and from high school to university: “Our school has both junior and senior high, but under Kunming’s standard policy, football talents only get a 20% reduction in admission scores. Every year, some of our junior boys’ team members can’t advance to our own high school, and these are often our key players who have invested the most effort. Now, even with a national first-level athlete certificate, many students still struggle to get into university through special or general admissions.”

Coach Ji Yi from Beijie School, Linying County, Luohe, Henan, shared their approach: “Our school has both elementary and junior high divisions. Since last year, we’ve set up a football experimental class for each grade from fourth to ninth. We recruit students countywide within our capacity, developing our own youth training system. However, this only covers the stage from elementary to junior high, and it will be a few years before we see results. Once students graduate from junior high, further advancement is beyond the school’s control.”

Coach Ji Yi believes Zhangjiakou’s "3+4" model is excellent for fostering and protecting children’s passion for football and is very beneficial for sports development. It allows young football enthusiasts to pursue higher dreams and offers them a better platform and more opportunities. However, he also raised concerns: “The Zhangjiakou Winter Sports School recruits nationwide, but since the football program is new, parents and students may not know much about the school or the model, making enrollment a challenge in the short term. For those outside the province, they may not be familiar with Hebei North University, while more famous universities like those in the 211 Project are more attractive to parents.”

▲ Coach Ji Yi, Beijie School, Linying County

The second "Century-old Elite Schools Cup" was held in Hengyang, where the host, Hengyang No.20 Middle School (Chuanshan English School), drew many parents to cheer on their children. Notably, during matches featuring Nanchang No.2 Middle School, some local parents in Hengyang also supported their children studying and training there. After attending the masterclass on Zhangjiakou’s "3+4" system, many parents were eager to learn more. In their view, the main reason for the loss of local football talent is the absence of a "3+4" integrated system like Zhangjiakou’s, which could help retain homegrown players.

Zhou Qingbiao, a parent of a player at Nanchang No.2 Middle School, shared his thoughts on sending his child to study and train far from home: “I’m not from Nanchang, but I sent my child there because of the higher football standards and its proximity to our hometown. Another key reason is that Jiangxi offers significant academic incentives for football talents in high school entrance exams. Compared to other teams, students enjoy a 25% to 35% reduction in required scores, and for teams like Nanchang No.2, which have won national and provincial championships, the reduction can reach 55% to 65%. This ensures all players can stay together, strengthening the team and leading to great results. During high school, obtaining a first-level athlete certificate is more achievable, and there’s still room to improve academically.”

▲ Nanchang No.2 Middle School

Zhou Qingbiao said he only learned about Zhangjiakou’s "3+4" model after coming to Hengyang with the team: “If our hometown had such favorable youth training conditions, parents wouldn’t have to send their kids to other provinces for school and training.”

It was also learned that some parents at Chuanshan English School in Hengyang are very interested in the "Zhangjiakou Model." Some hope that more "3+4" pathways can be established nationwide, so that children who love football can pursue their dreams without worries, and parents no longer have to choose between academics and football before the high school entrance exam. These parental voices reflect a strong desire for steady youth football development and greater expectations for diverse campus football training models.