承担起“足球城”的使命

Core Viewpoint - Dalian football is experiencing significant progress in both professional and grassroots levels, with a strong emphasis on youth training and community engagement, positioning itself as a leading football city in China by 2026 [3][4][7]. Group 1: Competitive Achievements - Dalian Yingbo team finished 11th in their first season in the Chinese Super League, while Dalian Kunchen team ranked 8th in the China League One [4]. - Dalian teams achieved notable successes across various leagues, including a third-place finish in the China Amateur League and a championship in the U21 league, marking a comprehensive coverage of all five levels of Chinese football [4][5]. Group 2: Youth Training Development - Dalian has established a national-level youth training center, enhancing its training system from grassroots to elite levels [5]. - The youth training framework has produced several players who have joined national teams, showcasing the effectiveness of Dalian's youth development programs [4][6]. Group 3: Football Culture and Community Engagement - The Shoyu Bay Stadium hosted 16 matches in 2025, attracting a total of 934,000 spectators, averaging over 58,000 per match, solidifying its reputation as "Asia's No. 1 Stadium" [5][6]. - Dalian's football culture is deeply ingrained in the community, with nearly 700,000 residents participating in football activities, reflecting the sport's significance in daily life [6][7]. Group 4: Future Prospects - In 2026, Dalian will have five professional teams competing across various leagues, with a focus on sustainable development and enhancing the commercial viability of clubs [7][8]. - The city aims to maintain its leadership in football development in China, with plans to strengthen youth training and community football initiatives [8].