Wenzhou University will soon offer Zhejiang province's first undergraduate major in soccer, following approval from the Ministry of Education.
The new program is set to begin admissions in 2025. Coursework will cover core subjects like sports anatomy, physiology, psychology, and research methods, alongside specialized modules in soccer training theory, physical conditioning, and coaching practices.
Wenzhou already has a strong soccer foundation. According to the municipal government's data, it has 4,550 registered youth players and 276 soccer-focused schools, ranking second in Zhejiang for both.
An official with the municipal sports bureau said the new program opens a clear academic path for young soccer players, helping build a continuous education system from elementary school to university. The goal is to train a new generation of soccer professionals who can raise the level of play locally and across the province.
By combining education and elite training, Wenzhou aims to deepen its soccer culture and position itself as a leader in Zhejiang's growing sports scene, according to the official.
