The rhythmic cheers of "Come on!" and the vibrant energy of youth transformed the pitch at Minzhi Middle School Education Group‘s junior high division into a scene of international camaraderie on Jan. 23. In a high-profile cultural and sporting exchange, legends and representatives from Manchester City Football Club (Manchester City FC) visited Longhua District, marking a significant milestone in the district’s mission to foster global connections through the universal language of sport.

The event, titled "Chasing Dreams on the Green, Sailing Together with Unity," brought together Manchester City FC veterans Scott Carson, Nedum Onuoha and Kieran Hogan, alongside City Football Group China CEO Tang Xigang and officials from the Longhua District Education Bureau. For the teachers and students of Minzhi Middle School Education Group, it was more than a training session; it was a rare window into the world of elite global athletics.

Visiting Manchester City FC veterans pose for a photo with officials of Longhua District Education Bureau, along with teachers and students of Minzhi Middle School Education Group, during the "Chasing Dreams on the Green, Sailing Together with Unity" event on Jan. 23 at the group’s Junior High Division in Longhua. Photos courtesy of Minzhi Middle School Education Group

Professional guidance on the green

The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the three Manchester City representatives engaged directly with the school’s young athletes. During the "Fun Fair" drills, Carson, Onuoha, and Hogan provided hands-on coaching, crouching down to correct dribbling techniques and offering professional tips on shooting accuracy.

"Football is rooted in passion and joy," remarked Carson, visibly impressed by the local talent. "Seeing these children embrace the sport with such enthusiasm at a young age is exactly what the global football community is about."

Onuoha echoed this sentiment, encouraging the students to "cherish the time spent on teamwork" and to maintain their passion and persistence both on and off the field.

Nedum Onuoha (2nd R) observes and guides students during a fun drill at Minzhi Middle School Education Group's junior high division in Longhua District.

Where heritage meets the pitch

A poignant highlight of the exchange was the "Gift of Friendship" ceremony. In a display of "East-meets-West" exchange, students presented the Manchester City delegation with intricate, handmade Chinese paper-cuttings — a staple of local heritage. In return, the Manchester City team, including Hogan, gifted signed jerseys to the students, symbolizing a bridge between Shenzhen’s traditional roots and the international sporting stage.

Scott Carson (L) and Nedum Onuoha sign footballs and jerseys for students during the campus exchange event in Longhua District on Jan. 23.

Scott Carson (L), Nedum Onuoha (2nd L) and Longhua education officials display traditional Chinese paper-cut artworks presented by students during the exchange ceremony.

A new chapter

Yang Lingzhi of the Longhua District Education Bureau noted that the visit serves a deeper purpose. "Inviting Manchester City is about more than sparking interest; it is about introducing advanced youth training philosophies to align our regional practices with international standards," Yang stated. She emphasized that Longhua will continue to use Minzhi’s successful model to refine its talent cultivation system.

This exchange marks a new starting point for international cooperation in Longhua. Moving forward, the school group plans to build on these global connections, ensuring the benefits of a modern sports education reach every student in the district.

The visit comes as Minzhi Middle School Education Group continues to advance its football-focused education program. The group has established an integrated “teaching + training + competition” system, under which the junior high division has been designated a Shenzhen Municipal Football Specialty School, and its boys’ team has won multiple consecutive district championships.

Students cheer for their teammates during the football exchange event at Minzhi Middle School Education Group in Longhua District.