KUNMING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Spanish football giants FC Barcelona will open three football schools in China's southwestern province of Yunnan, local sports bureau director Yin Yong said here on Tuesday.

"These new schools are part of the plan to promote football development among children of 6 to 12 years of age and expand the spread of football in Yunnan," said Yin, who made the remark during a provincial sports working conference held in Yunnan's capital Kunming.

The schools are to be located in the cities of Kunming, Lijiang and Yuxi.

"The Kunming and Lijiang branches are about to open, and work is underway on the construction of a large sports center in Yuxi," Yin added.

According to Yin, these schools will follow the model of FC Barcelona's football schools, and teach both boys and girls about the club's philosophy and values.