China scoops two AFC youth awards

KUALA LUMPUR - China's Shandong Luneng Taishan Football Academy and veteran coach Xu Genbao were on Tuesday honored for their contribution to youth soccer at the Asian Football Confederation's Youth Conference here on Tuesday.

Jinan-based Chinese Super League club Luneng claimed the Youth Academy of the Year Award at the three-day conference in the Malaysian capital.

The AFC said Luneng Football Academy is widely regarded as one of the most influential soccer training centers in China. Founded in 1999, the academy features 26 pitches and a national training center, reputed to be the only one of its kind in the country.