An English Premier League delegation paid a two-day visit to southwest China's Guizhou Province, aiming to promote future football cooperation with China's Village Super League.
by sportswriter Luo Yu
GUIYANG, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A two-day visit by an English Premier League delegation to promote future football cooperation with the Village Super League (VSL) - dubbed "Cun Chao" by Chinese netizens - came to an end on Monday in Rongjiang county, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province.
"I think 'Cun chao' is great, and I have felt the locals' great passion for football here in Rongjiang," said Graham Robinson, international consultant of the Premier League.
Robinson added that he hoped for improved cooperation between the two leagues on football training and other related fields, based on their in-depth understanding of Rongjiang's football situation gained through the visit.
The delegation went to Rongjiang's primary and secondary schools, observed a friendly match between two VSL teams, and held discussions with VSL players, coaches and referees.
"The purpose of the delegation's visit is to better understand the current situation of Rongjiang's football, so as to better help promote its football development in the future," said Peng Xixi, head of the VSL operation and management office.
According to Peng, the VSL, which went viral this summer and drew the attention of many people around the world, helped Rongjiang attract more than 5.2 million tourists for income of 6 billion yuan (830 million U.S. dollars) from May 13 to October 28 this year.
"During the period of the VSL, I went to Rongjiang to watch matches and was deeply impressed by the lively scenes and the influx of spectators attracted by the competitions," said Warren Leat, a football development manager at the British Council, who will return to Rongjiang in mid-December to conduct training courses for local players and coaches.
"I was so impressed by the students' passion for football, and also by the training methods of their football coach and school principal Wu Dongsheng," he added.
After the friendly match between the two VSL teams, both Robinson and Leat went onto the pitch, shook hands with the players and encouraged them.
"Well done today, it's really great to see you all playing football with such great passion," said Leat, adding that he hoped they would continue to maintain their enthusiasm, tactics and teamwork spirit.
Robinson said he was glad to find that the VSL had empowered the locals.
"Sports teach people life skills and promote people's development. So let's see what will happen in our future cooperation with the VSL," said Robinson. ■
