More than two decades ago, when Shao Jiayi first trained in Germany, he entered an unfamiliar world with little support. He did not understand the language, managed life on his own, and faced far greater training intensity than expected, with little sense of how far the path might lead.

At the time, pursuing an overseas career was less of a structured pathway and more of a leap of faith.

Shao later described his four-and-a-half-month training stint in Frankfurt in 1999 as a crucial "preparatory course" for his breakthrough into the Bundesliga.

"Without that period of preparation, it would have been very difficult for me to truly step onto the Bundesliga stage in 2003," said Shao, now head coach of China's men's national soccer team.

In an era without systemic support, Chinese players' overseas journeys often depended on chance opportunities and the guidance of predecessors. For Shao, Yang Chen — one of China's first players to establish himself in Germany — was not only a professional role model, but also a source of practical support in daily life.

In their early days, several young players frequently gathered at Yang's home to eat, simply because he was established. The anecdote, often recalled with humor, reflects a deeper reality: without institutional backing, going abroad relied heavily on personal networks and mutual support.

That individual-driven model remained largely unchanged for many years.

It was consigned to history on April 22, when the Chinese Football Association (CFA) officially launched the "Team China Youth Aspiration Program" in Beijing, marking a significant policy shift in the country's approach to player development.

The initiative targets Chinese players aged 15 to 23 and operates on the principle of "prioritizing individuals while supporting teams".

Through dedicated funding and policy support, it aims to encourage young players to train and compete in high-level leagues in Europe, South America, as well as top divisions in Japan and South Korea.

The first cycle will run for five years starting in 2026, with the initial application window opening in June.

CFA president Song Kai said the initiative addresses a fundamental issue in talent development.

"The development of soccer talent follows its own principles," Song said.

"High-level competitive ability depends on exposure to advanced tactical concepts and high-quality competitive environments.

"This program is designed to ensure that talented young players have the confidence to go abroad, the ability to do so, the conditions to stay, and, most importantly, the opportunity to compete."

At the operational level, the program is designed to tackle longstanding barriers.

Tong Jie, deputy director of the CFA's national team management department, said many promising players are willing to go abroad, but are held back by uncertainty.

"There is often just a thin layer holding them back — concerns about living abroad, training conditions and financial security," Tong said.

"With funding support and policy guidance, those concerns can be addressed, allowing them to move forward more confidently."

To that end, the program introduces a multi-tiered support structure, including base subsidies, development subsidies, special bonuses and a one-time living allowance.

The system not only lowers the barriers to going abroad, but also links financial support to actual playing time and competition level, encouraging players to secure minutes and progress in higher-level environments.

Under the scheme, players who secure consistent playing time in higher-level leagues could receive more than one million yuan ($146,270) in annual support.

Tong said the initiative is expected to generate broader momentum within the player pool.

"Even if only a small number of players succeed abroad in the beginning, it will create a positive 'chemical effect' and encourage more to follow," he said.

For players who experienced the challenges of going abroad firsthand, the value of such institutional support is clear.

Shao said he "envies today's young players", noting that the program provides a clear direction.

"It opens up a new pathway and tells them that, if they are willing to go abroad, there is support behind them," he said.

He added that the program's design addresses many of the difficulties faced by earlier generations.

"It covers almost all the pain points we encountered back then," Shao said.

"This kind of concrete support can significantly boost players' confidence and stability, which will eventually translate into competitiveness on the pitch."

Yang Chen, who became the first Chinese player to compete in the Bundesliga after joining Eintracht Frankfurt in 1998, said the program could also help young players stay focused in a more complex, modern environment.

"There are many distractions today," Yang said.

"This program helps young players feel valued and stay focused on soccer. It also removes financial concerns for those with talent but limited resources."

Yang recalled that his early hurdles were as much off the pitch as on it, particularly regarding language and culture.

"Most of the time, I had to guess and rely on pictures to understand," he said.

"Even before receiving my first salary, I was cautious about spending money."

From a broader perspective, the program forms part of the CFA's efforts to build a more systematic overseas training framework.

However, going abroad remains only the first step. Shao emphasized that players must be prepared to start from a lower level, compete for limited opportunities and gradually work their way up.

"We need ambition," he said. "Our goal should be to become core players at top clubs in Europe's top five leagues."

From Yang's lone trial in 1998 to Shao's Bundesliga career in the 2000s, and now to the launch of a comprehensive support program, China's approach to overseas development has undergone a significant transformation over the past three decades.

What was once a narrow path trod by a few pioneers is now being expanded into a structured route for a new generation.

As more young players take that path, China's soccer future is likely to be increasingly shaped by their experience — and success — on faraway fields.