After two years of practicing in the river, his legs had become much more powerful. He was faster and stronger, even scored nine goals in one game.

As a high school boarder, Ai only had three days off every two weeks. Each time he went home, he helped his parents pick tea leaves and hoe the fields. After chores, he played soccer with other children in the village, organizing games in the water and teaching them new tricks.

"I hoped they would truly feel the joy of soccer," he said.

In August, Ai was accepted at the Yunnan Minzu University in Kunming to major in physical education.

He said that his experiences as a high schooler will help him understand his future students better, as well as bringing him closer to his dream.

Xinhua contributed to this story.