Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the launch of the Jiangxi Province Urban Football Super League (referred to as "Gan Super"), which aims to promote grassroots football and enhance community engagement through a structured league format and various cultural activities [1][3]. Group 1: League Structure and Format - The Gan Super League will commence on July 12, 2025, and conclude with the finals on November 2, featuring a total of 66 matches over 110 days [2]. - The league employs a "North-South division confrontation + crossover competition" model, with the first phase consisting of home-and-away matches among teams from the southern and northern regions, followed by a knockout stage for the top four teams from each division [2]. Group 2: Player Composition and Community Engagement - All participants in the Gan Super League are amateur players, with an average age of 23; 60% are students, while others come from various professions, including teachers, chefs, taxi drivers, and employees from both private and public sectors [1][3]. - The league aims to enhance public participation by offering low ticket prices and creating a festive atmosphere, thereby transforming the event into a community football carnival that integrates sports, culture, and commerce [3]. Group 3: Branding and Cultural Significance - The league's slogans, "In the name of the ball, fight for the city" and "Who is the big ball brother," emphasize local pride and cultural identity, enhancing the event's recognition and relatability [4]. - The success of similar grassroots events, such as the "Su Super," has shown potential for driving tourism and regional development, indicating a significant opportunity for the growth of quality sporting events in China [4].

Core Insights - The article highlights the rapid growth and popularity of the Jiangsu Urban Football League (苏超), which has attracted significant attendance and engagement, surpassing traditional professional leagues in China [1][2][4] - The league's unique structure, allowing for a mix of amateur and professional players, has fostered community involvement and a grassroots approach to football, contributing to its success [2][7][21] - The financial impact of the league is notable, with a projected total output value of 850 billion RMB for the Chinese football industry by 2024, reflecting a 42% increase since 2020 [1][20] Attendance and Engagement - The Jiangsu Urban Football League has seen record attendance, with the latest match drawing 60,396 spectators, setting a new record for amateur football events in China [1] - The league's matches have generated significant online engagement, with the hashtag related to the league amassing 3.82 billion views on Douyin [4][7] - A survey indicated that 95.2% of Jiangsu residents are aware of the league, with nearly 80% of followers being non-football fans, showcasing its broad appeal [7][8] Economic Impact - The league has stimulated local economies, with surrounding businesses experiencing a 305% increase in revenue due to match-related activities [1] - Ticket sales have been innovative, with prices as low as 10 RMB, making matches accessible and encouraging family participation [7][9] - The league's broadcasting strategy includes partnerships with major platforms like CCTV and local media, enhancing its visibility and reach [9][11] Sponsorship and Commercialization - The league has attracted a diverse range of sponsors, with 21 companies, including major brands like JD.com and Yili, participating in the sponsorship ecosystem [20] - Sponsorship prices have surged, with official sponsorship seats reaching 3 million RMB, indicating strong market interest [20] - The league's unique marketing strategies, such as themed promotions and community engagement, have proven effective in enhancing brand visibility and consumer interaction [11][21] Cultural and Community Impact - The league has successfully integrated local culture into its events, fostering a sense of community and regional pride among spectators [7][21] - The participation of local residents as players and fans has created a relatable and engaging atmosphere, breaking down barriers between professional and amateur football [2][8] - The league's approach aligns with national sports development goals, positioning it as a model for future urban football initiatives across China [20][21]

Group 1 - The "2025 Yining County Rural Football Super League" has commenced, featuring 20 teams from 10 counties competing in a summer football festival lasting until the end of August [1][5] - The event has seen significant local participation, with players from various professions coming together to represent their hometowns, highlighting the grassroots nature of the competition [2][5] - The local sports infrastructure has improved, with the Yining County Sports Center recently upgraded to accommodate over 10,000 spectators, enhancing the overall experience for fans [3] Group 2 - The "Village Super" league has expanded from 16 teams in its inaugural year to nearly 30 teams this year, indicating growing interest and participation in local football [5] - The operational philosophy combines grassroots and professional elements, aiming to create a positive football culture while attracting increasing sponsorship from both large corporations and local businesses [5] - The development of transportation infrastructure has made it easier for fans to attend matches, reflecting broader regional connectivity improvements [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rapid growth and popularity of grassroots football in China, particularly through the "Village Super" (村超) initiative in Rongjiang County, which has significantly boosted local tourism and economic development [6][12]. Group 1: Event Highlights - The "Village Super" league has expanded from 20 teams in its first year (2023) to 108 teams in 2025, with participation from over 1,300 teams nationwide and international players [7]. - The league has hosted 450 matches from January to May 2023, attracting significant local and national attention [7]. - The recent match in Suzhou drew a record attendance of 43,617 fans, showcasing the growing interest in grassroots football [1][3]. Group 2: Economic Impact - Rongjiang County's tourism has surged, with over 760 million visitors in 2023 and 940 million in 2024, leading to a tourism revenue increase from 83.98 billion yuan in 2023 to 108.03 billion yuan in 2024 [14]. - The local economy has benefited from the "Village Super" initiative, with a reported increase in sales of local products and a rise in tourism-related businesses [13][14]. - The county has seen the establishment of 1,850 new cultural tourism market entities and a total investment of 28.07 billion yuan from new projects [14]. Group 3: Future Plans - Rongjiang County aims to develop a comprehensive football system that includes grassroots, school, and professional levels, with a goal of having 50% of students participating in school football by 2026 [15]. - The county plans to host a national campus football competition in July 2023, further promoting youth engagement in the sport [15]. - The long-term vision includes creating a "Village Super World Cup" team by 2028, representing the grassroots football movement on an international stage [9][12].

Core Insights - The "Village Super League" (村超) has gained significant popularity in China, particularly in Guizhou province, where it has transformed local communities and economies [3][5][11] - The league has expanded from 20 teams in its first year to 108 teams in 2023, attracting participation from over 1,300 teams nationwide and international players [5][11] - The initiative aims to integrate sports with local culture and tourism, significantly boosting visitor numbers and local economic growth [11][12] Group 1: Growth and Popularity - The "Village Super League" has become a national phenomenon, with record attendance of 43,617 at a recent match in Kunshan [1][3] - The league's success has led to the establishment of a comprehensive football development plan in Changzhou, aiming for high-quality football growth [4] - The league has also inspired local governments to create long-term football development strategies, such as the 2025-2035 plan in Rongjiang County [4][12] Group 2: Economic Impact - The league has significantly increased tourism, with Rongjiang County attracting over 760 million visitors in 2023 and 940 million in 2024, leading to substantial revenue growth [11] - Local businesses have benefited from increased foot traffic and sales, with tourism revenue reaching 83.98 billion yuan in 2023 and projected to grow to 108.03 billion yuan in 2024 [11] - The league has also fostered local agricultural products, with new processing facilities established to enhance the value of local crops [10][11] Group 3: Community Engagement - The league has engaged over 20,000 local residents as cheerleaders and performers, creating a vibrant community atmosphere around matches [6][8] - Cultural performances and local food offerings during matches have attracted more visitors, enhancing the overall experience [6][8] - The initiative has led to the formation of a "Village Super League" fan association, further solidifying community involvement [8] Group 4: Future Aspirations - The Rongjiang government has set ambitious goals for football development, aiming to increase student participation in school football leagues significantly by 2030 [12] - Plans are in place to establish a "Village Super League" team to compete internationally, with aspirations to participate in a "Village Super World Cup" by 2028 [8][12] - The league's model aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports local sports, culture, and economy, fostering a new generation of football talent [12]

Group 1 - The "Su Super" grassroots football league in Jiangsu has gained significant popularity, attracting over 190,000 spectators in its first three rounds and surpassing attendance of some professional leagues [2][3] - The league features participants from various professions, promoting a "全民足球" (全民 football) model that enhances community engagement and cultural identity [2][3] - The league has become a cultural and entertainment phenomenon, intertwining local history and sports, leading to increased tourism and consumer spending in host cities [3][4] Group 2 - The league has driven a 305% year-on-year increase in bookings for tourist attractions in Jiangsu during the Dragon Boat Festival, with a total of 12.41 million visitors and 4.693 billion yuan in consumption [3][4] - Local governments are offering various incentives to attract visitors, such as free entry to attractions and discounts for local residents, enhancing the overall tourism experience [4][5] - The integration of sports events with tourism and local culture is seen as a strategy to boost consumption and improve service offerings in the region, aligning with national policies to promote sports and tourism [5]

Core Viewpoint - The Jiangsu Urban Football League, referred to as "Su Super," has gained immense popularity, rivaling the attendance of the Chinese Super League, showcasing a unique blend of local culture and community engagement [1][3]. Group 1: Event Popularity and Community Engagement - The league has an average attendance of over 10,000 spectators per match, indicating strong community interest and engagement [1]. - The league has sparked various local cultural references and rivalries, enhancing the entertainment value and local pride among participating cities [1][2]. - The affordable ticket price of 10 yuan, which includes local specialties, has made the matches accessible to the general public, promoting grassroots football [2]. Group 2: Cultural Significance and Local Identity - Each of the 13 teams has a logo that reflects its city's unique characteristics, such as Nantong's wolf totem and Yancheng's elk, emphasizing local identity [2]. - The league has fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie among cities, with friendly rivalries contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere [3]. - The competition has highlighted the diverse cultural heritage of Jiangsu, with matches representing local culinary traditions and historical narratives [1][3]. Group 3: Economic Impact and Tourism - The league has been leveraged by host cities to boost tourism, offering free entry to attractions and discounts to increase visitor numbers [3]. - The integration of sports and tourism through the league has created a significant economic impact, transforming match attendance into long-term tourism benefits [3]. Group 4: Collaborative Spirit and Future Potential - The league exemplifies a competitive yet cooperative spirit among Jiangsu's cities, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration [3]. - The ongoing success of the league indicates the potential for further development and cooperation among cities in Jiangsu, contributing to the region's overall growth and prosperity [3].