Mengniu takes young footballers to World Cup

Sponsored by Mengniu Dairy, six young football fans from Horinger county in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, will get to greet fans from the pitches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Four of them were taken onto a pitch on June 24 before the start of a match, and another two will demonstrate the traditional culture of Inner Mongolia during the finals on July 15.

Aged between 14 and 15, they are thought to be some of the most promising young players in China, possibly good enough to be part of a future Chinese World Cup squad.

Mengniu Dairy's business appeals to children and youngsters. As one of the World Cup's official sponsors, Mengniu launched the activity with an investment of 100 million yuan ($15.04 million) to select 88 outstanding young football fans from football clubs, schools and public organizations across the nation.

The six players will endeavor to promote a positive image of China and the country's passion for football.

According to FIFA, this is a good opportunity to encourage more Chinese teenagers to take part in football and further push China into being a strong competitor in football games.

Based in Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Mengniu hopes that more personnel and money will be put into the development of football in the first football reform pilot region.

Young football fans pose for a photograph before the start of a World Cup match. [Photo/nmgnews.com.cn]

Young football fans hold the Chinese flag at a World Cup match. [Photo/nmgnews.com.cn]