The establishment of China’s first soccer college on Sept. 29 may give new hope to Chinese fans upset about their underperforming national team. The new college is affiliated with Chengdu University.

Xu Ming, president of the college, said that the aims of the new institution include promoting the development of China's soccer industry, increasing the number of soccer players in China and raising the overall level of China's soccer ability.

Graduates of the new program will be granted a bachelor's degree in soccer. The school will also offer non-degree programs that train soccer instructors for primary and middle schools, as well as soccer tournament referees.

The college plans to recruit 100 freshmen every year, and it will also establish a soccer club to participate in China's professional league.