Farmers and students star in China's viral new football league

In China, a unique football event called the Guizhou Village Super League has captured the hearts of many. This local football festival has gained immense popularity, drawing thousands of fans to the final match held in Rongjiang. On a warm evening, the atmosphere was electric as Dongmen village faced off against Dangxiang village in a thrilling showdown. The league has become a viral sensation, with images of enthusiastic fans dressed in traditional ethnic costumes, banging drums, and cheering for players who are often farmers, students, or shopkeepers. The excitement surrounding these matches has inspired countless people across the country to experience the event firsthand on weekends. Although attending the matches is free, reaching the village requires a three-hour drive from the provincial capital, Guiyang. Nevertheless, millions of tourists have made the journey over the past year, contributing to a remarkable 75% increase in tourism revenue, as reported by state-run media. The local accommodations, primarily small hotels, are frequently fully booked during major games, showcasing the event's growing significance. This football tournament is a true underdog story, transforming the region and attracting visitors from all corners of China. Just five years ago, this area was one of the last in the country to be declared free from extreme poverty, with an average annual income of only $1,350 in rural areas. Now, the newly organized league, in its second year, has gained such fame that it is changing the lives of many. Players like Shen Yang, a 32-year-old hospital maintenance worker, express their disbelief at the league's success. 'We’re not professional footballers. We just love footy,' he shares. Shen, who plays for Dongmen village, emphasizes that even without the Village Super League, he would still play every week. Football brings color to his life, and he recalls how his parents once disapproved of his passion for the sport. 'They didn’t let me play. They threw away my trainers. But now they’ve set up a stall at the gate to the stadium selling ice creams,' he laughs. Shen's story is not unique; many small business owners have benefited from the economic boost brought by the competition. Dong Yongheng, a player from Zhongcheng village, has also experienced positive changes in his life due to the tournament. Once a construction worker, he has turned his football fame into a successful family business. He now owns a multi-story restaurant that features a shop selling his team's jerseys and memorabilia. 'I think people like the authenticity of the village league,' he explains. 'It is really not because of our sporting skills. They like seeing a genuine performance, whether it is by our cheerleading ethnic singers or our players. Tourists love real and original things. ' The local government reports that over 4,000 new businesses have registered in the region since the league's inception, creating thousands of jobs in this previously struggling farming community. The unique atmosphere of the tournament is further enhanced by fans who dress in traditional clothing to support their village teams. As the final match approached, Pan Wenge, a passionate supporter, expressed her excitement. 'When we watch the game, it’s so exciting. We’re really nervous, you feel your heart pumping. And, when we win, we’re so happy. We sing and dance. ' However, the Dangxiang village team posed a formidable challenge, led by their star striker, Lu Jinfu, who recently graduated from high school. With a shy smile, he acknowledged the attention from local kids eager to take selfies with him. 'When I started playing, I didn’t expect it to be like this. I didn’t expect us to have such an amazing football atmosphere,' he admitted. On the night of the final, Lu's team proved to be too strong for Dongmen, as he scored two goals, leading his team to victory. After the match, the winning team celebrated by spraying soft drinks on each other in a joyful display. Despite their loss, Dongmen village players were not disheartened. 'We won two pigs. That’s not bad,' Shen Yang remarked with a cheeky smile. The post-match celebration was filled with laughter, food, and drinks, as the players were embraced by their neighbors, affectionately referred to as 'aunties. ' Regardless of the outcome, the players are celebrated as heroes in their community, and they look forward to the next season with hope and excitement.