In a rural part of northern China’s Hebei province, a mountainous and rural county called Fuping is hosting a unique soccer tournament. The Village Super League, an amateur tournament, has become a phenomenon in China, drawing millions of spectators across the country.

A Local Alternative to the World Cup

The tournament has gained popularity as a local alternative to the World Cup, which hasn’t seen a Chinese men’s national team compete for over two decades. The Village Super League features everyday people, including college students, doctors, teachers, and company workers, forming teams and competing in local leagues for a chance to play in a national championship.

The idea behind the tournament is simple: to promote a love of the game and provide a platform for local communities to come together and celebrate soccer. The tournament has also emerged as an antidote for fans disillusioned with the corruption and mismanagement in professional soccer in China.

A National Phenomenon

The Village Super League has expanded to include over 60 leagues and hundreds of teams in rural towns and smaller cities across China. Local government officials have played a key role in orchestrating the competition’s spread, seeing it as a way to boost the local economy and promote community development.

The tournament has also provided a platform for local businesses to promote their products and services, with vendors selling food, drinks, and other items at the games. The event has become a carnival-like atmosphere, with colorful performances, fan-wielding performers, and local children participating in the opening ceremony and halftime show.

For fans, watching players who are not professional soccer players is part of the appeal. The tournament has created a sense of community and camaraderie among the players and spectators, with many attending the games to support their local teams and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.