Gao Xu

In China, students and young people are as motivated to play football as in any other country, but awareness of the benefits sports and physical activity can bring is generally low, and many schools and families focus on children’s academic development first and foremost.

Gao Xu is a primary-school teacher and a football coach in Wuhan. She took part in Premier Skills to develop her coaching skills. What she later realised is that the programme has given her the skills and confidence to work with fellow teachers and parents to encourage the idea that football is a beneficial activity for young people. By promoting the physical, interpersonal and academic benefits of football Gao Xu helped to change attitudes and boost children’s regular participation.

We’ve seen a positive impact on children’s academic performance, in terms of their interpersonal skills, teamwork and creativity. Having seen these results, teachers are now more willing for students to take part in football activities.

Gao Xu attributes the change to both Premier Skills’ training methods and her communication with players and other teachers.

The Premier League coaches had an incredibly positive attitude and constantly gave feedback to support our learning. I learnt how to structure my approach to working with players … and how to motivate them. In fact, my confidence and communication skills have improved not only in the classroom, but outside of work too.

Gao Xu continued her training journey with British Council and Premier League and qualified as a Premier Skills Coach Educator. She now co-delivers Premier Skills training to other coaches and teachers across China. Gao Xu has also set up her own football school for children using the approach and methods she learned in Premier Skills.