Toffees star launches Chinese campaign

Fellaini travels to Beijing to realize Chinese Football Dream

By Zain Alvi | 27th June 2012

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has taken a massive initiative towards helping aspiring young Chinese footballers to realize their dream of playing professionally by launching the Chinese Football Dream.

Fellaini, 24, enjoyed an early rise to stardom as he became the Toffees’ record signing four years ago after signing from Standard Liege for a reported £15 million.

With the ambition of providing other youngsters in a different continent with the same types of developmental opportunities that he had, the Belgium international took time away from his summer break to travel to Beijing last week.

“I am delighted to be involved with Chinese Football Dream. My club spoke to me about this some time ago and I hope I can pass on my experience and enthusiasm to the players,” Fellaini was quoted in an official press release from Everton.

He added: “It is difficult being a young player trying to make your mark in the game. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to succeed, but you also need good coaching.

“I have had the benefit of good coaching since I was a young player and they are the people players must listen to and take advice from.”

The press release described the Chinese Football Dream as a campaign that is geared towards teenage footballers between the ages of 14 and 17.

“Essentially a talent search, CFD will travel the length and breadth of the country across the next six weeks with the specific aim of finding some of the finest young players China has to offer.

“Once identified, the candidates will be given the chance to compete for a place in a European-based training camp where they will be nurtured by leading youth development coaches,” the statement established.

Fellaini and Everton will open their 2012-13 Premier League campaign at home to Manchester United on August 18.