Guizhou, Taiwan hold friendly teenage soccer match

Teenagers from Guizhou and Taiwan pose for a group photo before the match. [Photo/ddcpc website]

The second game of the 2023 Guizhou-Taiwan Youth Soccer Friendship Tournament kicked off with a whistle at the Village Soccer Super League field in Rongjiang county, Southwest China's Guizhou province, on Dec 8.

Taiwan's Yilan Senior High School soccer team defeated Rongjiang No 1 High School soccer team with a score of 2:1, marking a perfect end to the exchange.

The performance of both teams on the field impressed the audience, and the commentator exclaimed, "Although it's a friendly match, the cross-Straits players have shown great skill and competitiveness."

The Miao and Dong ethnic dances unique to the Village Soccer Super League warmed up the crowd before the game and at halftime.

"It's amazing to see so many ethnic minorities dancing together and enjoying soccer. It's a wonderful experience," said Chu Chi-lung, a player from Yilan Senior High School.

On the soccer field, there was not only intense competition but also comradery. Dec 8 was the 17th birthday of Wu Yen-ju, a player from Yilan Senior High School.

After the game, he was surprised to receive a birthday cake prepared by the Rongjiang No 1 High School soccer team. "It was a very special experience for me. Everyone was so warm. I received a Miao shoulder strap. It's so beautiful. I really like it."

For Yang Sheng-yuan, the leader of the Yilan Senior High School soccer team, who has visited the Chinese mainland multiple times, participating in the Village Soccer Super League for the first time has a special meaning.

The warm and friendly nature of the people in Rongjiang left a deep impression on Yang. He said, "The result of the game is no longer important. What's important is that cross-Straits teenagers have the opportunity to interact and get to know each other, enhancing the friendship between the two sides. This is our goal."