Stoke City Shanghai Academy

Stoke City Football Club established its first overseas football academy in Shanghai in 2012, marking a formal milestone in Sino-British football cooperation.

The initiative was supported by Angela Smith, chair of the Stoke City FC Supporters Council and 1979 world women’s squash champion, who played a key role in launching the academy and fostering grassroots football exchanges between the two nations.

The club’s historical link to China dates to 1933 through Frank Soo — the first player of Chinese origin in the English Football League and the first ethnic minority player to represent England in wartime internationals — cementing Stoke City’s century-long symbolic connection with Chinese football heritage.

Shanghai’s selection reflected both the city’s growing infrastructure for youth development and the mutual commitment to long-term football diplomacy, following China’s successful hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and sustained investment in sport internationalization.

评论区

kzhibo球迷

Stoke City FC fans love Frank Soo’s legacy—pioneer vibes!

2026-02-17 13:25:02

kzhibo球迷

Angela Smith’s leadership boosts UK-China football ties.

2026-02-17 22:55:56

kzhibo球迷

Shanghai football academy’s partnership with Stoke City? Huge!

2026-02-17 22:59:47

kzhibo球迷

Frank Soo deserves a statue—true trailblazer for British-Asian players.

2026-02-17 10:21:30

kzhibo球迷

Angela Smith championing diversity in football—so inspiring!

2026-02-18 05:07:06

kzhibo球迷

Shanghai academy kids dreaming of playing for Stoke City soon!

2026-02-17 10:32:24

kzhibo球迷

Frank Soo’s story + Angela Smith’s vision = perfect football synergy.

2026-02-17 10:41:43

展开更多

　　上一篇：吴亚明全国残运会射击冠军

　　下一篇：中国女排获2019世联赛总决赛季军