Chongqing - With 5 USD match tickets, bustling food stalls lighting up the night sky, and dedicated fan-themed metro trains, Chongqing Tongliang Long is injecting fresh vitality into China League One (CL1). This squad, averaging just 23 years old, is redefining professional football through youth-driven rosters, market-savvy operations, and deep community roots.

On May 3, fans of the Tongliang Long cheered for the team at their home stadium. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)

Youth Power: Growing with the City

Boasting the youngest starting lineup in CL1 (average age: 21), Tongliang Long mirrors its on-field dynamism with a "post-90s" management team. Their attacking flair is undeniable: after 17 rounds, U23 players contributed 62.9% of the team's goals (22) and 59.1% of the assists (13), covering an average of 10,265 meters per game.

The club's long-term vision centers on local talent. Four homegrown stars, including Xiang Yuwang, signed five-year contracts—the maximum under Chinese Football Association rules. "Five years can turn a prospect into a star," said General Manager Li Ping. "These players have grown up together since elementary school. Their chemistry resonates with fans."

The club invested in youth development and partnered with Chongqing's Sports Bureau to build a U16 team (youth academy), training prospects across nine schools. Plans to scout players as young as nine are underway.

The Promotion Puzzle: Ambition Meets Patience

Despite an eight-game winning streak this season, a five-match winless run and a 4-2 loss to league leaders Liaoning Tieren exposed the team's inexperience. "Losing is part of growth," Li noted. "What matters is the lesson."

Founded in 2021 and rising from China's fourth tier to CL1 in just over two years, Tongliang Long is now a promotion contender. Yet Li stresses pragmatism: "Survival over promotion." Moving to Chongqing's 60,000-seat Longxing Stadium for the Chinese Super League (CSL) would spike operational costs. "Staying in CSL requires 20.7 million USD annually. We hope for government support, but will rely on ourselves."

Rejecting expensive "quick fixes," the club bets on organic growth. "Mercenaries might offer short-term gains," Li said, "but homegrown players secure our future."

On June 14, Li Zhenquan scored in the 37th minute of the first half, giving Tongliang Long a 1-0 lead. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)

Community First: Affordable Football & Commercial Innovation

In a city famed for its laid-back vibe, Tongliang Long makes football accessible. 5 USD tickets fill seats, while matchday rituals—giant TIFO displays, fan chants, and the "Chongqing Tongliang Long Metro"—turn games into block parties.

Launched in May, the fan-themed metro trains—decked with team history, slogans, and fan messages—ferry thousands to home games, transforming commutes into pre-match celebrations. This first-of-its-kind football-dedicated rail line "expands matchday culture and creates value for partners," Li explained.

Commercial creativity extends to digital billboards in shopping malls and subway stations, and plans are in place to leverage landmarks like Hongyadong and Liziba's "Train Piercing Building" for brand partnerships.

While success often attracts sponsors, Li prioritizes integrity: banning dirty tricks on the field, mandating post-match locker cleanups, and organizing "Green Terraces" for community outreach. The result? Over 95% home-game attendance and eight sponsors—including automaker Changan and e-bike leader Aima—with ad revenue surpassing some CSL clubs.

June 14, spectators cheer for Tongliang Long. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)

The Bigger Picture

Tongliang Long, though a small club in China's vast football landscape, charts an alternative path: patient youth development, community bonding, and sustainable business models. Their story kindles hope in an industry long driven by short-term gains—proof that spring may yet come for Chinese football.