Core Viewpoint - The launch of the 2025/2026 Sichuan Urban Football League in Chengdu marks a significant development in amateur football, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for the sport across various provinces in China [1][3]. Group 1: Development of Amateur Football Leagues - Sichuan becomes the eighth province in China to establish an amateur football league, following Jiangsu, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Guangdong, Chongqing, Jiangxi, and Hunan [3]. - The most notable leagues include the "Su Super," which is the most famous, and the "Yue Super," which has a history of 10 years [4]. Group 2: Popularity and Engagement - The "Xiang Super" saw its opening match tickets sell out in one minute, with over 40,000 spectators attending, and online viewership reaching 1.945 million [6]. - The "Gan Super" attracted over 600,000 attendees throughout its ten rounds, showcasing the strong community support for local teams [6]. - The opening match of the Sichuan Urban Football League saw train tickets from Suining to Chengdu sell out quickly, indicating high interest [6]. Group 3: Societal Impact - Amateur leagues are revitalizing public interest in football, contrasting with the national team's struggles, as many players are everyday workers who participate for the love of the game rather than financial gain [6][7]. - The leagues promote community engagement and contribute to local economies by boosting tourism and related sectors such as transportation, dining, and accommodation [7]. Group 4: Cultural Significance - The essence of amateur leagues lies in their purity, fairness, and openness, allowing broader participation and fostering a sense of community [7][9]. - The leagues are seen as a revival of grassroots sports, echoing the historical development of football in Western countries, emphasizing the importance of widespread public interest and market-driven operations [7][9]. Group 5: Economic Implications - The enthusiasm for amateur football is viewed as a potential catalyst for economic recovery, encouraging consumer spending and investment amid ongoing economic challenges in China [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The enthusiasm for football in China is being reignited through amateur leagues, which are becoming increasingly popular and accessible to the public [3][4]. Group 1: Development of Amateur Football Leagues - Sichuan Province has launched its city football league, becoming the eighth province in China to do so, following others like Jiangsu and Guangdong [1]. - The "Su Super" league is the most well-known, while the "Yue Super" is the oldest, having been established for 10 years [2]. - Various amateur leagues across provinces have seen significant attendance and engagement, with examples like "Xiang Super" selling out tickets in minutes and attracting over 194.5 million online viewers [2]. Group 2: Community Engagement and Economic Impact - Amateur leagues are attracting a diverse range of players, including delivery workers and students, who participate for the love of the game rather than financial gain [3]. - The popularity of these leagues is contributing to local economic growth, stimulating sectors like transportation, dining, and accommodation as fans gather to support their teams [3][4]. - The grassroots nature of these leagues is reminiscent of the historical development of football in the West, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and market-driven operations for sustainable growth [3][4]. Group 3: Cultural and Social Significance - The leagues are fostering a sense of community and shared passion, with fans and players alike engaging in a pure form of sport that transcends monetary incentives [4]. - The accessibility of matches, with low ticket prices, is encouraging broader participation and support from the public, making football a sport for everyone [4]. - The vibrant atmosphere at matches reflects a deeper societal aspiration for economic vitality and community spirit, suggesting that grassroots engagement can drive broader economic recovery [4].