Volkswagen is lending a helping hand in China's underdeveloped regions by offering local youth the chance to play high-level soccer and study the latest in automotive technology.

One of its recent efforts is a soccer team it established for primary school students in Jinggangshan, Jiangxi province through the Rainbow Bridge Project, an initiative by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

"Kids here have little opportunity to see the outside world, so we hope the program can help boost their confidence and broaden their horizons," said Yang Meihong, vice-president of Volkswagen Group China.