Amateur football leagues captivate skeptical Chinese fans

Amateur football leagues ignite China’s football passion

In a summer day in Suzhou, about 40,000 fans gathered at a stadium while thousands more watched online as amateur football captured the nation’s imagination.

Local rivalry fuels city pride

• 17‑year‑old Kou Cheng scored in the second minute, sparking a stadium‑wide celebration.
• Fans wore bright red jerseys and paper fans to cool in the searing heat.
• “The atmosphere is lively even if the fans don’t understand football,” said Qian Chunyan, a Suzhou resident, to AFP.

From grassroots to corporate sponsors

The tournament began in Jiangsu province and drew millions of online viewers. Local businesses such as barbecue restaurants initially sponsored the events, but now big‑name companies like Alibaba and JD.com participate.

Fans celebrate “pure football”

Wang Xiangshuo, a Suzhou fan, told AFP that the simplicity of amateur football appeals to the public because it “is a more pure form of football,” and that winning or losing doesn’t matter.

Professional clubs in China have been plagued by match‑fixing and gambling scandals, and the national team performs poorly in international tournaments. President Xi Jiang Pinga has said he wants China to win the World Cup someday, but the men’s team is currently ranked 94th by FIFA.

Tourism boom follows football frenzy

Since May, Jiangsu’s amateur tournament—affectionately called the “Su Super League”—has caused a growth in tourism spending in six cities of more than 14 percent, according to state‑run broadcaster CGTN.

• Chen Tianshu, a souvenir manufacturer in Nantong, said that enamel badges featuring team logos and “ice‑cream popsicles shaped like local symbols” sold rapidly after branded tote bags sold out in a neighbouring city.
• “Our performance in the Su Super League is giving Nantong a rare moment to shine,” she added.

Other provinces follow Jiangsu’s footsteps

Southern Jiangxi province hosts a two‑stage tournament this month, and social media trends in China often lead to unexpected locations receiving sudden surges of visitors. Travel enthusiasts flocked to the industrial town of Zibo in 2023 after viral videos showcasing its regional barbecue style.

“This year’s success of the Jiangsu league is an unexpected delight,” souvenir maker Chen said. “I hope this will be a long‑lasting tradition.”