A friendly match is held between the Haimen Codion Football Club and Yining's soccer team in Yining county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/WeChat account: haimenfabu] 

Despite the cool winter breeze, a friendly soccer match between Yining's team and the Haimen Codion Football Club, which is traveling 4,600 kilometers, was recently held on the school field in Yining county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. 

The players demonstrated fighting spirit, with strong friendship shining both on and off the field. "I hope there will be more such exchange opportunities in the future, so we can progress together!" said Nurlang Nurtayi, a player and physical education teacher in Yining county. 

Off the pitch, a long-term commitment has been established. The Haimen Codion Football Club Yining County Youth Football Training Base was unveiled at the exchange meeting. The club further supported this effort by donating 11,200 yuan ($1,584.07) worth of soccer equipment to enhance training. 

Football had been a cultural link between Haimen and Yining long before this event. By 2023, Haimen, collaborating with the Nantong aid-to-Yining team, sent youth coaches to stay long-term and support local soccer growth. 

Li Donglei, a player of Haimen Codion Football Club, becomes a youth training coach in Yining in February 2024. [Photo/WeChat account: haimenfabu] 

In September 2025, eight young athletes from Yining went to Haimen for trial training, with four securing the chance to stay and pursue academic studies and soccer training. This program enables border teenagers to follow their soccer dreams amid the peaceful breezes of Jiangnan (referring to the southern regions of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River). 

As an old saying goes, "Teaching people to fish is better than giving them fish". To date, Yining county has set up three soccer-focused schools and four youth training bases, creating a complete talent development system. Looking ahead, the two regions plan to hold regular coach exchanges and joint competitions, encouraging mutual growth through shared efforts.