China’s village soccer tournament, known as “Cunchao,” has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the English Premier League (EPL), potentially including friendly soccer matches. The partnership aims to promote sports development at the grassroots level and leverage the EPL’s resources and experience to support local sports initiatives, fostering social, cultural, and economic prosperity through sports.
During the signing ceremony at the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services, specific details of the cooperation were not yet disclosed.
Cunchao, held in Rongjiang county, Guizhou Province, has gained attention for its culturally rich and engaging soccer matches. This year’s event attracted over 1 million in-person spectators and more than 50 million online viewers as 20 village teams played 98 matches. Performances showcasing local ethnic customs were also part of the event.
Sports experts emphasize the importance of grassroots participation in promoting sports like soccer. Building a strong sports tradition in China requires active engagement from local villagers, especially children, through government support and systematic education.
English soccer legend Michael Owen, a former Liverpool player, sent his blessings to Cunchao via video during the tournament. Fans and organizers are hopeful that the cooperation with the EPL will lead to further developments, including the possibility of EPL stars like Erling Haaland participating in Cunchao.
A representative of the EPL highlighted the goal of bringing joy to spectators through sports, drawing inspiration from Cunchao’s vibrant atmosphere. The EPL, known for its strong event organization and international influence, intends to share its expertise in event operations and brand promotion.
The cooperation agreement between Cunchao and the EPL is seen as a promising beginning, with plans to train soccer talents and boost the development of rural soccer, as well as collaboration in trade and investment projects to support the local cultural and tourism economy.
Rongjiang county has a history of soccer development, with soccer fans creating grassroots soccer fields in the 1990s. Today, every village in the county has a soccer team, and there are 14 standard soccer fields. Local school soccer teams have also achieved success in provincial and state competitions, reflecting the community’s passion for the sport.
Overall, the partnership between Cunchao and the EPL signifies the potential for sports to thrive at the grassroots level and contribute to cultural and economic growth.