Grassroots Soccer in Southwestern China Strengthens Ties with English Premier League

In a notable development, grassroots soccer in southwestern China is forging closer connections with the esteemed English Premier League as it returns to Rongjiang county in Guizhou Province. This trip marked the third round of training for the Cun Chao, also known as the Village Super League, and took place over five days from June 9 to 13, 2023. Significantly, this training session was the first to include referees alongside coaches, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive skill development following a memorandum of understanding established between the EPL and the Rongjiang village league.

The training featured five experts from various backgrounds, including a coach from Brighton & Hove Albion and two refereeing instructors from England. These professionals tailored their instruction to benefit 69 participants, who were eager to enhance their soccer skills. The growth of the Cun Chao is remarkable; the league expanded from 20 teams in 2023 to 108 teams by 2025, driven by the passion for the sport among local villages.

Referee trainee Wang Jianxing remarked on the thoroughness of the training, stating that it covered important aspects such as positioning during crucial plays and the proper use of assistant referees' flags. Additionally, local teacher and coach Yang Zihui described the environment of the training as both competitive and motivating.

Throughout the program, trainees were introduced to modern coaching methodologies and international refereeing strategies. On the final day, they had the opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned, receiving direct feedback that will aid in their development. The EPL's presence in Rongjiang is viewed as essential for nurturing the foundational skills necessary for grassroots soccer. Peng Xixi, the village league's liaison officer, emphasized that this ongoing training is pivotal for grassroots football's growth in the area.

The valuable skills garnered from this program are expected to be returned to their communities, as participants like Wei Taihuang, a coach, expressed their newfound ability to guide young athletes effectively. Wu Huayong, a player who benefited from the EPL's inaugural training in 2023, is now using the knowledge he gained to coach youths in his village during the summer months.

Jay Li, the managing director of the EPL's China office, praised Rongjiang as a standout example of international football collaboration. He noted that the village league has not only drawn global interest but has also been a source of social and economic upliftment, marking it as a potential model for fostering grassroots soccer throughout China.