URUMQI, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Former Manchester City defender Sun Jihai hopes to shine in China's far western region of Xinjiang, after he was named vice-chairman of its football association.

Sun also took on the post of the youth training director, and aims to improve the quality of local coaches, sources said.

Xinjiang boasts over 60 footballers who play in different Chinese professional divisions.

"We will build an integrated system of youth training in Xinjiang, including a local football academy, eight branch youth training centers and 100 football schools in future," Sun said.

Sun was the first Chinese football player to score in the English Premier League when he headed the first goal in a 2-0 win over Birmingham City in 2002. He played 130 times for the Blue Moon over six years and was recommended into the England football hall of fame in October 2015.