Chongqing - The 2025 Xin'oupeng Chongqing Football City League, dubbed the "Yu-League(渝超 Yúchāo)," is set to kick off on September 13 under the banner “Dynamic Chongqing, Journey with the Yu-League." The tournament will span eight months and feature 178 matches across five regional divisions, organized in two stages. As team registrations open and tryouts intensify at venues like Datianwan Stadium and Jialing Football Field, a pressing question emerges: how will the Yu-League distinguish itself in the wake of hugely successful models like Guizhou's "Village-League" and Jiangsu's "Su-per League"?

On September 13, the Yu-League will kick off at Datianwan Stadium. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

"Call for Talents" Draws Eager Participants

Excitement is already sweeping across the city. Football-themed WeChat groups are buzzing with activity as players express keen interest in joining the league. Official "talent recruitment" notices issued by various district sports authorities have further fueled anticipation.

A vivid call to arms from the "Shapingba Sports" WeChat account on August 27 captured the local spirit: "Brothers, classmates, old neighbors - it's time to reignite Shapingba’s football soul! We grew up playing on rugged fields near the Jialing Special Steel plant and along the riverbanks of Ciqikou. We didn’t quit until our sneakers fell apart. That raw, passionate energy is back. It’s time to fight for Shapingba!"

Over 200 players registered for the Shapingba trials, including former Chongqing Lifan youth academy players, alumni of Chongqing No. 7 Middle School, and ex-members of the Southwest University team. They came from all walks of life - psychologists, software engineers, teachers, and coaches - all united by a love for the game. On August 31, the candidates underwent a series of tests, including shuttle runs, sprints, dribbling drills, and scrimmages.

Other districts are also rallying their squads with distinctive flair: Dadukou's recruitment drive invoked local pride, urging players to "fight for your hometown." Fuling proclaimed, “Watch Fuling dominate the Yu-League -we're winning all the way!" with more than 100 already trying out. Wansheng District jokingly called for "players with ambidextrous magic from Heishangu Valley, endless stamina from Otaoji, and powerful headers from Qingshan Lake." Liangping launched a team naming poll, with playful options like "Liangping Roast Duck" and "Liangshan Heroes."

What Sets the “Yu-League” Apart?

The timing of the Yu-League seems ideal. "It's been years since we've had a city-level football league this exciting. This is exactly the kind of energy we’ve been missing," one longtime fan remarked.

Chongqing has never lacked passionate fans. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

Yet the challenge is clear. Guizhou's Village-League, now in its third year, has amassed over 20 billion views on Douyin. Jiangsu's Su-per League, launched this May, already boasts more than 30 billion views. With other provinces like Sichuan and Guangdong also launching their own leagues, the Yu-League must find a way to stand out.

Shi Ting, a media professional who tracked the rise of the Su-per League, believes Chongqing has a valuable blueprint to follow. "The Su-per League started with modest crowds, but through strong organization and clever marketing, it became a nationwide sensation. The Yu-League can similarly use football to showcase what makes Chongqing unique."

Veteran fan Sang Jianhua suggests a strategy of differentiation: "The Yu-League should feel more modern and imaginative than the Village-League, and more grounded and playful than the Su-per League."

Football insider Zou Fan emphasizes sustainability over short-term hype: "Our focus should be on building the Yu-League into a lasting platform that truly elevates football culture in Chongqing."

Building a Winning League with Acclaim and Profit

Many online commentators have proposed integrating the league with Chongqing's rich cultural and tourism assets - its history, dramatic landscapes, geological wonders, and famously spicy cuisine.

NBA Superstar Stephen Curry enjoyed a drone show on Nanbin Road, which attracted widespread attention on the Internet. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

Professor Luo Zibo, Director of the Chongqing Cultural Tourism Research Center, agrees. "Events like the Yu-League should be deeply local and participatory. The bold, straightforward character of Chongqing people is a perfect match for football. We should bring back the 'Xiongqi spirit - that fierce, roaring energy the city is known for."

Hu Xiaowu, Deputy Dean of the Nanjing University Institute of Urban Science, recently stressed the importance of turning sports visibility into lasting tourism engagement. Luo echoes the point, adding that the Yu-League can showcase Chongqing's vibrant urban and natural appeal while strengthening its open and innovative image.

He also suggests future collaboration with Chengdu: "A Chengdu-Chongqing derby could create healthy rivalry and strengthen cultural and economic ties within the region."

As the Yu-League approaches its opening whistle, the focus is on how Chongqing will blend football passion with local character to create a sports-tourism phenomenon entirely its own.