Cunchao Photo: VCG

The beloved grassroots football tournament known as the Village Super League (VSL), or Cunchao, in Rongjiang, Southwest China's Guizhou Province, officially made its return at the weekend following two destructive floods in June that temporarily halted play. With the pitches rebuilt and the original tournament format preserved, the league kicked off again on Saturday with a celebratory theme event and renewed national attention.

Thousands of spectators filled the stands Saturday afternoon for a five-hour "thanksgiving" ceremony, which organizers said matched the scale of the 2023 VSL final. Football legends ­Roberto Baggio and Roberto Carlos made special appearances, lit the torch at the relaunch ceremony and showed their support for the league's revival. Both were appointed as honorary football advisors at Rongjiang's vocational school, Baggio as honorary head coach and Carlos as a football consultant.

One of the highlights of the day took place on the banks of the Zhaihao River in the Chemin sub-district, where a traditional long-table banquet stretched for over a kilometer. The feast, which featured local delicacies such as pickled fish and sticky rice, welcomed around 3,000 rescue workers with the highest hospitality rituals of the Dong ethnic group, including ceremonial rice wine toasts.

A grand gratitude parade further enlivened the celebration, featuring rescue teams, rebuilding crews, regional football teams, local chefs, sanitation workers, tricycle brigades, volunteer groups, social media influencers, and ordinary Rongjiang residents marching in a show of unity and appreciation.

Chen Xingyang, executive vice chairman of the Rongjiang Football Association, told the Global Times on Sunday that he deeply felt the community's collective efforts during the recovery process.

"In the past month, we witnessed the power of unity. For example, it usually takes 10 hours to transport pitch materials, but with the help of local volunteers, it was done in two. The turf installation, which normally requires 15 to 20 days, was completed in just eight," Chen said.

He noted that turf materials were scarce, not only in Rongjiang but throughout Guizhou Province. A timely donation resolved the problem, enabling the pitch to be completed on schedule.

"Clearing mud after the first flood was tough, but just as we finished, a second flood hit," Chen added. 

"Choosing the right grass and devising a reconstruction plan were all difficult, but thanks to widespread support, we not only finished the tasks on time, but even finished early. It shows how much people value culture and sports today. They want to showcase unity, joy, and sincerity through Cunchao," he said.

In addition to the matches, more cultural and entertainment activities have been introduced. A gourmet team now serves local specialties like sticky rice and fresh fruit during games, while halftime performances feature re-imagined traditional heritage programs.

The Global Times confirmed with the Rongjiang Bureau of Industry and Commerce that as of Sunday, 97 percent of local commercial and hospitality businesses have resumed operations, while 94 percent of the catering sector is back in service. Officials are welcoming visitors from across the country.

According to the organization, the original VSL launched in 2023 as a county-level grassroots initiative in Guizhou. Starting August 10, it will expand into a national tournament with 28 provincial champions competing in Rongjiang. The final match on August 23 will crown the national champion, who will go on to form the core of a "Village Super League National Team" in preparation for the inaugural international tournament in 2026 and a proposed "Village World Cup" in 2028.

"I just hope that our league  grows stronger and more distinctive, and expands to the world," said Yang Yajiang, principal of Cheming Primary School in Rongjiang, in an interview with Red Star News. 

"One day, I hope to see our own Cunchao World Cup."