The 2026 Qin Super·Xianyang Youth International Football Championship has officially commenced. Over a span of more than three months, dozens of youth teams across various age groups will compete, and former England “Golden Boy” Michael Owen is set to make a personal appearance at the event.
According to organizers, the tournament will run until August 31, featuring three stages: group matches, knockout rounds, and the final. The initial phase includes matches in five-a-side, eight-a-side, and eleven-a-side formats, with teams from Shaanxi province ranging from U7 to U18 age groups. In the second stage, guest teams from other provinces and even international squads will be invited to participate, fostering technical and cultural exchanges among young players.
At the opening ceremony, a special friendly match took place between the “Five Tigers” veteran football team—comprising Cao Xiandong, Song Zhenyu, Li Hongjun, Du Wenhui, and Zhang Xiaobing—and the young players. The experienced veterans shared their rich knowledge and hands-on guidance, giving the kids a close-up experience of football’s charm.
Cao Xiandong remarked, “As a football man for decades, I’m especially delighted to see these grassroots tournaments that are truly grounded. Children not only learn tactics from the matches but also gain team spirit and fighting spirit, which are crucial for their development.”
It was also announced that Michael Owen, the legendary English striker, will visit the competition site in the future, allowing young athletes to feel the presence of a world-class star up close. Beyond the matches, the event has prepared numerous innovative activities for players and their families, creating a shared summer football festival.
