Officials take the opening kick of the 2017 Jiangsu University Intercity Football League on April 8. [Photo/ec.js.edu.cn]

The first round of games also began on April 8. The team from Hohai University, enjoying home field advantage, won a thumping victory over China Pharmaceutical University at 7 to 0.

The tournament is a big step forward by Jiangsu and rewards its unremitting efforts to promote football in recent years. It makes Jiangsu the first province in China to carry out intercity collegiate matches. It also helps enhance intercollegiate exchanges, build up a deep-seated campus football atmosphere, and creates elites for the development of Jiangsu football.

“The participating teams will keep growing to include all universities in the future. We will strive hard to make the tournament a famous Jiangsu brand and tradition,” said an official from the organizing committee confidently.