The Brazilian Face in Guizhou’s “Village Super League”
Reporter: Su Bin
Published in People’s Daily, November 11, 2024
Footballing Bridges: Connecting Cultures Over Goals
Now, picture this: a village in the heart of China, nestled deep within the mountains of Guizhou, has suddenly become a hotspot for Brazilian football. Yes, you heard it right! It’s not your typical footballing territory, and I’m not talking about the sort of “local league” where everyone comes dressed in their finest wellington boots. I’m talking passionate villagers, intense matches, and Brazilian flair that makes even the dampest of days feel like Carnival in Rio! Who’d have thought that the beating heart of Guizhou would venerate football as one might treasure a piece of gold in a treasure chest?
On November 6, Yang Zhenjiang, a local villager and football fanatic, decided that his mobile phone was the real MVP. He produced a gallery of images showcasing gleeful Brazilians scoring goals, dancing samba, and perhaps, thinking about what to have for lunch next! “They come from far away Brazil. Even Kaká paid us a visit!” Yang beamed, his pride palpable; as if he single-handedly invited the entire Brazilian national team to a backyard barbecue.
The Excitement Unfolds
In a friendly match organized at the “Village Super League,” the Gaoqiao Youth Training Football Club from Brazil arrived. October 3 marked the day that local fans triumphed over their usually slow-paced routines, gathering more than 30,000 spectators, not to watch the latest soap opera but to cheer for their village heroes and a Brazilian team. And how did they prepare? Like any sensible gathering of football lovers—they welcomed their guests with cheerleaders in dazzling costumes and the energy of a carnival!
The Brazilian boys took to the pitch, raiding the scenery like they were strolling down Copacabana Beach. A fitting outfit for those who dance like the wind and play like they’ve just stepped off a World Cup final! The only tragedy here? They beat the local team 1-0, but they were awarded a rather “local” prize: two fine-looking chickens! That’s right—forget trophies. Who needs a shiny cup when you can have a dinner date with two delightful poultry companions?
Footballs and Fireworks: A Fowl Ending
The awards ceremony turned into an unexpected comedy of errors as Diego, one of the Brazilian players, grinned like a Cheshire cat while cradling one of his prize chickens. I mean, who wouldn’t want to take a selfie with their local delicacy? But forget the feast because this cultural exchange birthed something far more significant: friendship. The players and villagers united, arms around each other’s shoulders, dancing to the rhythm of samba whilst fireworks lit up the night. Talk about a heartwarming scene! If that’s not grassroots football, I don’t know what is.
A Platform for Cultural Exchange
The cultural collision didn’t stop there. The Gaoqiao Club played a total of three matches during their stay, netting a whopping eight goals! Meanwhile, local star Dong Yongheng was practically salivating at the thought of showing those Brazilians how it’s done. “They play football as smartly as dancing,” he declared, post-match, perhaps suggesting he had one or two moves up his own sleeve, though we have yet to see those breakdance skills in action!
Moreover, these Brazilian athletes took their mission further, visiting local schools and igniting hope across playgrounds. Can you imagine the fusion of Spanish flair and Chinese hustle on a schoolyard soccer field? “I want to learn from them,” said Yang Fengshun, a local student. “I’m ready to kick some grass!”
Beyond the Village Super League
So, what’s next for Guizhou and this charming little football league? According to Xu Bo, Secretary of the County Party Committee, the vision for the “Village Super League” is nothing short of captivating. He describes a journey from self-play to national tournaments and then—drumroll, please—going international! The world’s about to gain a new appreciation for rural China’s nascent football scene.
“Football is a business card for the integrated development of culture, education, sports, and tourism,” he said, with that spark of ambition that makes you believe anything is possible. And after a rumble of applause from all corners—who wouldn’t want to support a youth training club using Brazilian methods? The whole world’s going to know about Rongjiang. Forget Paris; it’s Guizhou that’s becoming the city of lights, if you catch my drift!
Conclusion: A New Era of Football
So there you have it! A delightful blend of cultures, laughter, and football transcending barriers. Whether it’s goal-scoring chicken-loving Brazilians or enthusiastic villagers ready to samba their way to fame, the “Village Super League” is just getting started. This isn’t just a friendly match; it’s a heartwarming reminder that football truly has the power to connect people, one kick at a time.
This article is reproduced from: People’s Daily
The Brazilian face in Guizhou’s “Village Super League”——
A football date across mountains and seas
Reporter Su Bin
“People’s Daily” (Page 06, November 11, 2024)
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In a Sino-foreign friendly match in the Guizhou “Village Super League,” an exciting clash unfolded between Chinese and Brazilian football players.
Photo by Zhou Guangsheng (Image China)
Rongjiang, Guizhou, a quaint county tucked away in the mountainous region, is gaining global attention due to its vibrant football matches that embody the spirit of the village.
On November 6, at the lively “Village Super League” football field in Rongjiang County, local villager Yang Zhenjiang eagerly shared his extensive collection of photographs with reporters. In the hundreds of images, foreign athletes take the spotlight as they pass the ball, score goals, embrace one another in celebration, and dance energetically, showcasing their passion. “They come all the way from Brazil. Even the famed Brazilian star Kaká visited Rongjiang in the past. Our ‘Village Super League’ circle of friends is expanding rapidly,” Yang Zhenjiang remarked with enthusiasm.
On October 3, the inaugural “Village Super League” and “Belt and Road” International Friendly Match kicked off with the arrival of the first Brazilian team, the Sao Paulo Gaoqiao Youth Training Football Club (hereinafter referred to as “Gaoqiao Club”). Over the subsequent 25 days, the Brazilian players immersed themselves in the local culture, savoring delectable cuisine, appreciating folk customs, and experiencing the warmth and friendliness of Chinese people while witnessing the dynamism of China’s development.
Enjoy the friendship and joy football brings
Gaoqiao Club had dedicated considerable time in preparation for their much-anticipated trip to the Guizhou “Village Super League.”
In August, team head Eli Asa and club leader Yang Shengjun made their first trip to Rongjiang. They perceive significant potential and extensive prospects within the Chinese football market.
“Rongjiang is a vibrant hotspot for football. The enthusiasm and commitment of the local people to the game mirror the deeply rooted football culture in Brazil,” Yang Shengjun expressed.
At 7 pm on October 3, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of over 30,000 spectators, the Brazilian team confidently entered the stadium. Along their path, local cheerleaders donned in traditional costumes and adorned with intricate silver jewelry dazzled the crowd with captivating dances to welcome the players. “The atmosphere was simply electric!” Eli Asa reminisced.
The pre-match welcome was filled with warmth, followed by a fierce competition on the field. In a nail-biting finish during the 84th minute, player Ferreira made a decisive follow-up shot, sealing a narrow victory for Gaoqiao Club. Brazilian players erupted in samba celebrating their triumph, as the audience enthusiastically cheered them on. Ultimately, Gaoqiao Club triumphed over the team from Guiyang with a score of 1-0.
The awards ceremony brought joyous surprises. When presented with the uniquely “village flavor” prize—two local specialty chickens—the Brazilian players expressed astonishment mixed with delight. Player Diego captured the moment, grinning from ear to ear while holding the chicken.
Post-award celebrations were marked by stunning fireworks illuminating the night sky, accompanied by vibrant music filling the stadium. Spectators flooded onto the field, encircling the Brazilian players in a festive dance, blending cultures as they joined together, arms linked. The Brazilian players showcased their iconic samba dance moves, emphasizing the deep sense of friendship and joy football fosters.
At that moment, small football became a bridge linking both cultures, serving as a testament to the blossoming friendship between China and Brazil.
“Village Super League” becomes a platform for cultural exchanges
From October 3rd to October 6th, Gaoqiao Club engaged in three competitive matches, netting an impressive total of 8 goals, enthralling the audience with the distinct allure of Brazilian football.
“Their play resembles the finesse of a dance, offering sheer entertainment.” Among the spectators, villager Dong Yongheng voiced his admiration for the team’s outstanding performance, brimming with enthusiasm as he expressed a desire to compete. “It would be thrilling to have an opportunity to play against the Brazilian team!”
At 8 pm on October 9th, Dong Yongheng eagerly awaited his chance. He captained the strongest lineup of the “Village Super League” for a friendly match against Gaoqiao Club.
His agile movements and swift penetrations throughout the match produced several scoring opportunities, contributing significantly by assisting a teammate in scoring. As the game progressed, however, Gaoqiao Club began to dominate the pace and assertiveness on the field.
“Their fundamental skills are remarkably solid, particularly in ball handling and defending,” Dong Yongheng noted, recognizing the tactical prowess displayed by Brazilian players in their adept passing and cooperative play. Despite losing with a score of 1:3, he expressed satisfaction, declaring no regrets, “We aim to enhance youth training and build a foundation for developing football.”
Throughout their engagement at the “Village Super League,” Gaoqiao Club extended an invitation to visit local educational institutions such as Siyuan Experimental School and No. 4 Middle School in Yanhe Tujia Autonomous County, Tongren City. The players enjoyed engaging with students through various activities, including hoops, ball dribbling, and passing, generating an atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement.
“It’s a pleasant surprise to get up close and personal with Brazilian players. I aspire to learn from them, establishing a solid foundation to elevate my skills,” expressed Yang Fengshun, a student from Yanhe No. 4 Middle School.
A total of 10 international teams participated in the inaugural “Village Super League” and “Belt and Road” International Friendly Tournament. Using football as a medium, the “Village Super League” has emerged not just as a sports platform, but as a vital stage for cross-cultural exchanges.
“The evolution of ‘Village Super’ unfolds in three phases. Initially, the people of Rongjiang played among themselves. Eventually, players from across the country were invited to join. In the future, we aspire to reach out globally, enabling more people worldwide to discover and participate with us,” stated Xu Bo, Secretary of the Rongjiang County Party Committee. He noted that the “Village Supermarket” serves as both a magnifying glass for viewing China and a telescope for embracing the world, with hopes for greater international outreach.
With youth training, friendship becomes stronger
Rongjiang football extends beyond the scope of the “Village Super League,” boasting roots tracing back to the 1990s when community members spontaneously organized matches in open-air fields. Today, Rongjiang County boasts 14 standard football fields, 35 registered teams, and a network of 14 recognized national youth campus football schools and 41 county-level football institutions. The foundation of a comprehensive youth training system in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture began in 2019, spearheaded by Lai Hongjing, a physical education teacher at Rongjiang No. 1 Middle School. The football team of Rongjiang No. 1 Middle School alone has achieved multiple inter-provincial championships.
Lai Hongjing expressed overwhelming excitement upon hearing about Gaoqiao Club’s impending visit to Rongjiang, declaring, “This is an extraordinary opportunity!”
During their stay in Rongjiang, in addition to participating in competitions and exchange activities, Brazilian players dedicated time to training sessions at local stadiums. Sensing an opportunity, Lai Hongjing guided 20 players to meet the Brazilian team during their training.
“Brazilian players possess systematic training from a young age, and we must seize this invaluable chance to learn actively,” she encouraged. During a 60-minute practice match, although her team lost 1:3, they gained invaluable insights, with Coach Eliasa providing constructive feedback on their performance. “His analysis highlighted two critical points: the need for faster passing and the tendency to hold the ball for too long. These insights will greatly inform our future training strategies.”
“After Coach Eli Asa returns to Brazil, we plan to maintain communication and collaborate to establish a youth training club in Rongjiang, utilizing Brazilian coaching methods to bolster Rongjiang’s youth development,” Yang Shengjun announced. The forthcoming club will enable young Brazilian players to reside in Rongjiang, participate in competitions, and serve as football coaches in local primary and secondary schools. “Our goal is to offer more children opportunities to escape the mountains with their football capabilities, creating new futures for them,” Yang Shengjun affirmed.
Currently, the influence of the “Village Supermarket” brand has begun to reach international shores, spreading across the globe. Inspired by the cultural football exchanges between China and Brazil, and backed by the China Friendship and Peace Development Foundation, Rongjiang recently selected players from various primary and secondary schools across the county to form the “Dream Chase” football team, which is set to embark on an exchange trip to Brazil on November 14.
“Football embodies the integrated development of culture, education, sports, and tourism within Rongjiang. Our mission not only involves actively crafting a comprehensive ‘village super’ social football system and an effective ‘class super’ campus football framework, but we must also proactively engage internationally, creating cultural exchange platforms through football to share China’s story with the world,” emphasized Xu Bo.
Published in: Beijing
L areas we need to enhance: communication on the field and strategic positioning. Understanding these nuances will greatly improve our game,” Lai added.
As the “Village Super League” continues to thrive, it showcases the remarkable growth of football culture in Rongjiang, leading to enhanced connections between communities across different countries and cultures. The intersection of Brazilian enthusiasm for football and the earnest dedication of Rongjiang’s youth paints a hopeful picture for the future of the sport in rural China.
This initiative not only fosters sportsmanship and camaraderie but also serves as a powerful vehicle for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The friendships formed and the skills developed through this intercultural dialogue will resonate long after the final whistle of each match.
“Football transcends language barriers; it’s a universal language of joy and teamwork,” remarked Yang Zhenjiang. “Through the ‘Village Super League,’ we’re not just kicking a ball; we’re building lasting relationships.”
The presence of international teams like the Gaoqiao Club at the “Village Super League” has significantly uplifted the local football scene, inspiring young players to dream big. As Rongjiang steps onto the global stage of football, it holds firm to its roots, embracing both tradition and innovation, and undoubtedly, it will capture the hearts of many more across continents.
In celebrating this love for football, the “Village Super League” stands as a testament to the idea that when hearts align through a common passion, even the widest oceans can be bridged, and the spirit of community can blossom into something truly magnificent.
