The highly anticipated ‌"National Fitness, Healthy China" national county-level football event‌ and the ‌2025 Chongchuan district football league‌ kicked off on March 16.

The opening ceremony was buzzing with excitement, as football enthusiasts and spectators from Chongchuan, Haimen, Rudong, and neighboring areas gathered at the pitch. The opening matches kicked off simultaneously on two fields, igniting an atmosphere of spirited competition.

Spanning three months, the league will see ‌12 clubs and nearly 400 players‌ battling through ‌66 matches‌. In addition showcasing athletic talent, the event aims to foster regional camaraderie and enrich the city's football culture.

Nantong, designated as Jiangsu's first ‌pilot city for football reform‌ in 2015, has highlighted infrastructure development, youth training, professional league growth, and industry support. Since 2006, the football association of ‌Chongchuan‌ has organized 19 amateur leagues, 12 cup tournaments, and events engaging over ‌50,000 participants.

Nowadays, Chongchuan boasts ‌30 registered football clubs‌, over ‌60 referees with a level two or higher‌ national certificate, and more than ‌1,000 registered players. It excels in event management, venue operations, and youth training. 

Football players compete in a match. [Photo/WeChat account: chongchuanonline]