Students played soccer at Zhujiachang Primary School in Yuping Dong autonomous county of Guizhou province — but not on grass. The pitch was still covered with snow.

"We started training on the seventh day of Spring Festival. Those boys become brave and strong, and they're not afraid to get a few bruises," said Liu Yu, the gym teacher at the school.

The after-school activity — teaching soccer skills to village children — has been running for more than four years at the insistence of Liu, 31. He hopes to help them build strong bodies and develop toughness.

Liu said they practice almost every day, even when it's raining. They may sometimes find an indoor area to play, or learn by watching videos.

In recent years, Yuping Dong autonomous county has improved the football venues at rural primary schools and brought more seasoned professionals and gym teachers.

The development of soccer has not only strengthened the fitness and willpower of students but has also given them a chance to experience the passion of the sport. 

Wang Jin contributed to this story.