Innovation and practice of the Chinese Football Association's player self-recommendation system

I. Systematic Reconstruction of Talent Selection Mechanisms

The system's core design lies in its standardized, full-cycle selection process. Through five stages—registration, information submission, preliminary screening, selection, and tracking—it ensures professionalism while granting equal opportunities to all players.

​Registration: Open to all Chinese citizens, breaking geographical and institutional barriers of traditional youth training systems.

​Information Submission: Requires professional test data (e.g., 30-meter sprint, standing long jump) and diverse materials like skill videos and coach evaluations, ensuring authenticity and multi-dimensional assessment.

​Preliminary Screening: Expert teams for different age groups conduct data modeling and video analysis to improve evaluation efficiency.

II. Anti-Corruption Transparency Measures

The system emphasizes ​supervision mechanisms:

The CFA disciplinary committee oversees the entire process, with ​social supervisors​ invited for key stages like on-site selections.

Shortlisted candidates are regularly published on the CFA website for public scrutiny.

​Industry feedback:

Mo Xiangyu, head of Shanxi Xiangyu Football Club, noted the system dismantles regional barriers that previously obscured local talents.

Zhang Lin, founder of Beijing Chaoyang-Tongzhou United FC, highlighted its role in curbing "favoritism" and revitalizing grassroots football ecosystems.

III. Dynamic Talent Development Framework

Selected players enter a ​tracking database, with pathways to training camps, national teams, and specialized tournaments. Key features include:

​Annual Re-evaluation: Continuous monitoring and exit mechanisms for underperforming players.

​Grassroots Inclusion: A dedicated module allows amateur "hidden talents" to showcase skills, embodying the "merit-over-background" principle.

IV. Technological Empowerment & Ecosystem Optimization

​Accessibility: The system operates year-round, with login portals on the CFA homepage and youth section, optimized for mobile devices.

​Data Integration:

Clubs gain real-time access to a unified national talent database, replacing outdated regional referral models.

Integration with grassroots league data creates a complete talent pipeline from community to professional levels.

V. Broader Implications & Future Directions

This reform aligns with China’s "sports-education integration" policy, allowing student-athletes to balance academics and football careers. While the system promises enhanced talent reserves, future upgrades should focus on:

Optimizing assessment algorithms

Expanding regional selection centers

Strengthening grassroots coach training

As sports analyst Zhang Qing observed, the platform transcends technology—it represents a paradigm shift in ecosystem governance. With sustained implementation, it could inject transformative momentum into Chinese football's long-term development.