China Lays Out Plan To Become 'World Football Superpower' By '50

China has unveiled a strategy to become a "world football superpower" by '50, with plans to get 50 million children and adults playing the game by '20, according to the BBC. Other targets include having at least 20,000 football training centers and 70,000 pitches in place by '20. While China "excels at the Olympics and Paralympics, it has only ever qualified for one football World Cup," in '02. The plan was published by the Chinese FA on Monday. It sets out short, medium and long-term targets, "including ensuring there is one football pitch for every 10,000 people" by '30. By '50, the report added, China should be "a first-class football superpower" that "contributes to the international football world" (BBC, 4/11).