Grassroots Soccer in China Deepens Ties with English Premier League

Strategic Insights -

Grassroots soccer in southwestern China has solidified its connection with one of the world's top professional soccer leagues, with the English Premier League returning to Rongjiang county, Guizhou province, to deliver its third round of training for Cun Chao, or the Village Super League. The five-day training, held from June 9 to 13, marked the first time referees were included alongside coaches in the program since the Rongjiang village league signed a memorandum of understanding with the EPL in 2023. The training aimed to boost exchanges and provide tailored courses for 69 trainees, including a coach from the Brighton& Hove Albion club and two refereeing instructors from England's Professional Game Match Officials Ltd.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cun Chao Village Super League has expanded from 20 teams in 2023 to 108 teams in 2025, capturing attention across China and beyond.
  • The training program, led by professionals from the English Premier League, offered practical skills in coaching and refereeing to 69 trainees.
  • The program included 45 coaches and 24 referees, with the majority being from local villages.
  • The trainees explored modern coaching concepts and international refereeing techniques, receiving direct feedback from the instructors.
  • The EPL's program has become a pillar for the development of grassroots soccer in Rongjiang, the birthplace of the phenomenon.
  • Participants are expected to bring new skills back to their communities, enhancing the development of grassroots football.

Statistics:

  • The Cun Chao Village Super League has grown from 20 teams in 2023 to 108 teams in 2025, a 440% increase.
  • The training program included 69 trainees, with 45 coaches and 24 referees among them.
  • The training covered 69 hours of tailored courses from June 9 to 13, 2023.
  • The programs are expected to benefit 45 coaches and 24 referees, enhancing grassroots soccer development in Rongjiang.
  • The EPL's program aims to provide a valuable blueprint for advancing grassroots soccer across China.

Sources:

  • Xinhua
  • State Council News
  • People's Republic of China