Village Super League Makes Triumphant Return After Floods with Star Power and Community Spirit

The Village Super League (VSL), affectionately known as Cunchao, has made a much-anticipated comeback in Rongjiang, a region in Southwest China's Guizhou Province. The league was temporarily suspended due to extensive damage caused by two severe floods in June but has now successfully resumed operations. The tournament kicked off with a grand event that celebrated local culture, drawing renewed attention from across the nation.

On Saturday afternoon, the stands filled with thousands of spectators for a special five-hour ceremony intended to express gratitude, which organizers noted was comparable in scale to the VSL final held earlier this year. Football legends, Roberto Baggio and Roberto Carlos, graced the occasion, even lighting the torch during the relaunch and showing their support as they were appointed honorary football advisors at a vocational school in Rongjiang.

One of the standout moments occurred by the Zhaihao River in the Chemin sub-district, where a traditional long-table feast stretched over a kilometer. This banquet featured local dishes, including sticky rice and pickled fish, and was held in honor of approximately 3,000 rescue workers, showcasing the hospitality traditions of the Dong ethnic group with ceremonial rice wine toasts. The event was further animated by a gratitude parade that celebrated the combined efforts and spirit of the community, involving various local groups and individuals.

Chen Xingyang, the executive vice chairman of the Rongjiang Football Association, shared insights on the remarkable unity and efforts witnessed in the recovery phase. He emphasized that, despite the challenges posed by material shortages and the impact of two floods, community volunteers drastically reduced the time required for transportation and turf installation, completing tasks ahead of schedule.

Cultural and entertainment initiatives have also been integrated into the league, introducing a gourmet team that serves local specialties during matches and featuring halftime performances rooted in traditional heritage. As for the local economy, officials confirmed that nearly all businesses have resumed operations, with a significant portion of the catering sector back in service, encouraging visitors from across China to come and enjoy the festivities.

Initially launched as a county-level grassroots initiative in 2023, the VSL is set to evolve into a national competition beginning August 10, with 28 provincial champions poised to compete in Rongjiang. The national champion, to be crowned on August 23, will form the foundation for a future "Village Super League National Team" as preparation begins for an international tournament in 2026 and aspirations for a "Village World Cup" in 2028. Yang Yajiang, principal of Cheming Primary School, expressed hopes for the league to flourish and extend its reach globally, envisioning a day when the Cunchao World Cup becomes a reality.