Soccer league helps Guizhou connect with world

Kang likened international exchanges to building friendships, emphasizing the need to find common ground from an everyday perspective.

Sports, Kang noted, speak a universal language. "The passion and determination displayed by Guizhou villagers on the field embody their aspirations for a better life. That's what resonates with international audiences."

He added, "The villagers of Rongjiang may not speak English or Spanish, but they speak the universal language of sports. When foreign athletes step onto the village soccer field, they're met with cheers and a shared connection that transcends words."

Kang also expressed concerns about Cun Chao losing its viral status. "Its growth shouldn't depend on temporary online fame. Instead, it should focus on preserving its grassroots spirit while building structured international sports exchanges," he said.

Efforts to expand the international reach of the Village Super League are already in motion.

Rongjiang hosted a grassroots soccer coach training session led by the Premier League on Dec 2.

The program involved 42 participants, including the league's players and local PE teachers.

In 2023, the league signed a strategic partnership with the Premier League and launched several training programs, with plans to organize community soccer tournaments.

The plan aims to promote Cun Chao domestically, attract foreign teams and eventually host international tournaments.

"We're currently in the second phase and aim to invite more foreign teams and influencers this year," Ouyang revealed.

"Our goal is to strengthen partnerships with leagues like the Premier League and La Liga to learn from their events organization, fans engagement and soccer culture," he added.

During the third session of the 14th Guizhou Provincial People's Congress on Sunday, Governor Li Bingjun outlined the province's 2025 goals to promote mass sports participation and advance competitive sports development.

Liu Boqian contributed to this story.