The fourth Inter Academy in China has launched in the city of Chengdu, the first milestone achieved as a result of the strategic agreement between Inter and Suning, which symbolises the two organisations’ commitment to strengthening football culture in China.

Inter Academy WIFA Sichuan, the fourth Inter Academy in China, was opened in the city of Chengdu today following a strategic agreement between FC Internazionale Milano, Suning Sports Group and Wawa International Football Academy.

The new opening represents the first step in a wider development plan shared by Inter and Suning for the growth of the Inter Academy project in China, underlining the two organisations’ shared commitment to bolstering football culture and the training of young players and coaches throughout the country.

The Inter Academy team is working closely with Suning to identify solid partners suitable for joining the technical training project. The agreement with Wawa International Football Academy – who have for been operating in the education and school services sectors for years – is the first example of how Inter Academy’s skills in organising projects based on high technical standards fit perfectly with Suning’s deep commitment to promoting the development of youth football in China.

In attendance for the opening ceremony in Chengdu was Inter vice president Javier Zanetti, chief revenue officer Michael Gandler, Inter Academy project director Barbara Biggi and technical director Marco Monti. Deputy general manager of Competition Management Centre Mark Zheng was there to represent Suning Sports Group, while WIFA president Pu Wen also attended.

“We are delighted to be able to unveil this project, which sees us become active players alongside Suning in the Sichuan area, especially given that we are collaborating with such a well-organised, solid partner like WIFA,” said Zanetti. “We are passionate about strengthening football culture by sharing our technical expertise and training coaches and young players in their countries of origin according to international footballing and ethical standards.”

“The development of this partnership is an important first step in the process of raising awareness and improving football training in China,” added Mark Zheng. “It’s something that Suning is fully committed to promoting, by drawing on the professionalism and expertise of Inter.”

“WIFA and Inter Academy will work together to develop youth football in Sichuan province with the objective of creating the next chapter in the history of Chinese football. For us, this is about our responsibility to society and responding to the huge demand from fans here in China,” said WIFA founder and president Pu Wen.

The educational process followed in the new Academy will mirror the youngsters’ personal development, beginning with activities tailored to nursery schools and progressing all the way to competitive football for older age groups, culminating in the creation of Elite Teams.

Fifty-nine public and private schools will be involved in the project, with a total of 1410 young persons between the ages of four and 18 taking part. There are five football training centres, with two Inter coaches – Valerio Ringoli and Giovanni Barbugian – coordinating and mentoring 30 local instructors under the supervision of technical director Marco Monti.