ROVANIEMI, Finland, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Youth football teams from China and Finland played friendly matches on Wednesday in Rovaniemi, the Arctic "hometown of Santa Claus," as part of a cultural and sports exchange program.

Two under-12 teams from Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province - one boys' team and one girls' team - faced their Finnish counterparts from FC Santa Claus at the indoor football field of the Santasport center.

The event began with a ceremonial kickoff by Santa Claus, who welcomed the young players and encouraged them from the sidelines.

"I think I played quite well today. My passing, shooting and defending were solid," said Lu Yutong from the Chinese girls' team. "The Finnish players were strong and friendly. I hope we can become friends."

"I learned how Finnish kids train and even got to try a bit of ice hockey," said Kuai Chuqiao from the boys' team. "It makes me dream of playing a professional match abroad one day."

Chinese coach Liu Xiaowen praised the young players for their commitment. "They earned the chance to come to Finland through their own hard work," he said. "This experience has helped them grow not just as athletes, but as teammates."

"This was a fantastic match and a true cultural exchange," said Rovaniemi Mayor Ulla-Kirsikka Vainio. "You could see the same spirit in players from both countries. Sports bring us together, and we look forward to more exchanges."

Rovaniemi, the capital of northern Finland's Lapland region, has maintained a friendly cooperative relationship with Chengdu since 2015. The tournament marked the 10th anniversary of that partnership as part of a broader cultural and sports exchange program. ■