Young stars

Fu Jie, who plays for China's third-tier professional team Beijing Chengfeng, is one of the most successful players from Zhidan.

The 19-year-old started playing soccer in 2009. He trained hard after school and played games at weekends.

In 2013, Fu joined the Evergrande Football School, a soccer academy set up by the Evergrande Group, a major investor in one of China's top clubs, Guangzhou FC.

"Soccer has changed my life," Fu said. "Mr Ding brought me to the world of soccer. He has given me a new option in my life. For young people who are gifted at soccer and can endure hardship, playing soccer is a good choice."

Zhidan's attempts to popularize soccer are now being replicated across China. In 2015, the Zhidan Football Association began to work with a top-level middle school in Hebei province.

Jin Qiaoqiao is one of the first girls to benefit from the collaboration. Her impressive soccer skills led her to being accepted into Handan No 1 Middle School, after she obtained a high score in the entrance exam.

"If it weren't for soccer, I wouldn't be able to leave Zhidan and have a better life," she said.

With sporting prospects like Fu and Jin sprouting across the country, Ding is still plowing the Loess Plateau in search of grassroots champions.

Xinhua