According to the Beijing Youth Daily, China
Shenzhen subprovincial city in Guangdong, special economic zone close Hong Kong
The city is expected to host the final stage of the upcoming 42nd AFC U20 Men's Asian Cup (formerly the U19 Asian Youth Championship), which will be held from February 6 to 23, 2025 in China. In May this year, the AFC officially authorized the CFA to host the tournament at the Competition Committee's working meeting in Al Ain, UAE, which is the second time since 2010 that China has been granted the right to host the tournament.
U20 Asian Cup
of contracting authority.
Considering the climatic conditions and other objective factors, the tournament preferred to be held in a city in southern China. Shenzhen, the city that successfully hosted the 26th World University Summer Games in 2011, was a strong candidate for hosting the tournament due to its high-quality venues and facilities, rich hospitality experience and deep soccer culture. Shenzhen is not only an important base for professional soccer, but has also been responsible for the preparation and matches of many national teams, including the Chinese men's and women's soccer teams.
If Shenzhen is confirmed to host the U20 Asian Cup, it will need to provide at least four playing venues and no less than eight training venues to accommodate the 16 participating teams. Shenzhen's existing venues such as the Shenzhen Grand Olympic Center Stadium, Bao'an Sports Center Stadium and Xili Sports Center all meet the high standard requirements. In addition, the under-construction Guangming Soccer Base Phase II stadium is expected to be completed this summer, offering more possibilities for the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) is actively pushing forward the preparations for the U20 Asian Cup, while the 2005-age Chinese U19 men's soccer team is also preparing for the tournament in full swing. According to the plan, the team will conduct training in August and September this year and play warm-up matches with international opponents such as Iran U19 team to improve the competitive state and tactical level.
Shenzhen's success in hosting the U20 Asian Cup will not only have a positive impact on the development of soccer in the region and even in China, but will also contribute to the development of youth soccer in Asia.
