A player is pictured before a match with a model of the World Cup trophy prepared by Sonam Jigme placing in front in Zangbi Township of Lhari County, Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Yulong)

　　Sonam Jigme fell in love with football in primary school, when his school had no pitch and he had no boots. A pitch came later in high school, but proper coaching did not. During his first year of senior high, he briefly trained at a sports school in Xizang.

　　"As children, most of us probably had wild dreams -- becoming astronauts or sports stars playing in front of thousands," Sonam Jigme told me. "What I'm doing may not change their lives overnight, but it makes them realize that the things they love deserve to be taken seriously."

　　This year, videos of the children playing football that Sonam Jigme posted have begun circulating online. People who saw them sent new balls and jerseys. A hairstylist even came and gave each child the stylish haircut they wanted, making them look more like their idols.

　　Sonam Jigme hopes more people will notice these children via his videos. "If any of them are found to have talent, they may receive better training one day and step onto a bigger pitch," he said.

　　In recent years, football has become a bigger part of children's lives across Xizang. Standard pitches, school courses and youth training programs are developing. In 2025, 13 schools in Xizang were named national-level schools with special football programs. By the end of last year, the region, with a population of more than 3 million, had 1,136 football pitches, including 180 11-a-side ones, according to the regional sports bureau.