There is no doubt probably that the most discussed nation regarding its performance in sports together with United States is China. The “Red Dragon” is the most populous nation in the world and invests a lot in athletes’ development. This has resulted in winning medals in many international prestigious competitions establishing China as a sports superpower.

Relentlessly ambitious and commercialized professional clubs recruit thousands of boys into intensive, four‑times‑a‑week training from the age of eight. Their development is of great importance for the clubs as well as their stakeholders. But why is this happening? Is it economically viable to invest in the training of young home-grown athletes, while time is pressing for good results?