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]