Jul 27, 2015

BEIJING (AP) The scene could be from any U.S. suburb: two teams of youngsters in football helmets, cleats and pads; referees in pinstripes; parents snapping photos and cheering from the sidelines. But the clipboard-toting coaches call out plays in Chinese and the field is at a park in Beijing.

China’s capital might seem an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among China’s youth is growing, according to Shen Yu, marketing director for Great Stone Gridiron. The private football club was Beijing’s first when it was founded three years ago. Around 500 children participate, including about 150 in tackle football programs.

Part of the game’s appeal is its outsider status and its association with American culture. Also, it’s popular with kids who are big for their age, or who haven’t excelled in the Olympic sports that China’s sports programs focus on.

“Because it’s not part of that system, it gives the chance for ordinary people to play,” said Wes de Kirby, 25, an American coach with Great Stone Gridiron.

: Zhang Yonghao, 8, poses for photos with family members after his American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Members of the Vipers team, in foreground, bow to members of the Sharks team after their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Parents and players from the Vipers team cheer after they scored a touchdown during their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Guo Zhongyang, 7, listens to his coaches as they give a post-game pep talk after their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: A young spectator checks the scoreboard during an American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Ma Shichi, 9, of the Vipers, left, is tackled by Liu Jiayou, 9, of the Sharks, right, during their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Guo Zhongyang, 7, is carried off the field by coach Ndizeye Amatus, right, while fellow coach Wes de Kirby, second from left, watches during their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Jia Ziqi, 10, left, Lu Xiaoyu, 8, center, and Zhao Yuxiang, 8, right, listen to instructions from their coach during their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Zhang Qianyi, 9, left, of the Vipers team dodges a tackle of Zhao Yuxiang, 8, center, and Liu Jiayou, 9, right, of the Sharks during their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Parents and spectators cheer during an American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Coach Wes de Kirby, left, gives last-minute instructions to player Liu Jiayou, 9, right, just before the start of their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Chinese parents help their children put on sports jerseys and equipment before the start of their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

: Members of the Sharks team line up before the start of their American football game in Beijing. Chinaís capital might seem like an unlikely place to find American football, but interest among Chinese youth is growing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

American football gains popularity in China

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