BEIJING -- A total of 3,916 middle and primary schools across China have been identified as schools specializing in youth football, according to the Ministry of Education (MOE).

The list was published Thursday by the ministry, which also identified 33 counties and districts as pilot counties and districts for youth campus football, as well as 47 units across the country as verified training camps for youth football.

The lists were made based on the application of the units, as well as the recommendations and examination of the departments on education, in accordance with the MOE circular on the selection work released in March.

The lists will help further implement China's football reform master plan, and campus football instructions issued by the MOE and five other departments, both of which were released in 2015, according to a ministry statement.