yangtze River Yongjun Club Hosts Thriving Football Tournament
The 2025 “Pengcui Cup” Football Invitational Tournament, organized by the Yangtze River Yongjun Club, kicked off on December 28th at the Cultural and Sports Plaza in Lianhe village, Xinba town. Nine teams representing the city’s military and surrounding regions are vying for victory in this three-day competition.
The tournament commenced with a stirring ceremony. Zhao bin,Director of the Yangzhong City Veterans Affairs Bureau,officially declared the start of the event. Participants stood at attention as the national anthem resonated powerfully. Guan Yongjun, Director of the Yangzhong Municipal Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism, then ceremoniously kicked off the first match.
The opening game pitted the Yangzhong Brothers United Football Team against the Zhenjiang Xinda Minshi Football Team. Adding to the excitement,young athletes from the Yangzhong Starlight Football Youth Training program served as ball boys for the first time. In a closely contested match, the Brothers Football Team emerged victorious, edging out the Cinda Min Lions with a score of 4:3.
This tournament highlights the Yangtze River Yongjun Club’s commitment to promoting football as a sport accessible to all. The club’s football team was established to meet the needs of the garrison troops and has as grown into a significant force in the region. Recognizing the broader appeal of sports, the club has expanded its offerings to include a comprehensive ”Starlight Sports” team that encompasses football, basketball, and badminton.
The Yangtze River Yongjun Club actively engages with the community through football, cultural, and sports camps, reaching out to institutions, schools, and community centers. These initiatives enrich the lives of garrison personnel, retired soldiers, and residents alike, fostering stronger military-civilian relationships.
The club’s dedication to football extends beyond recreational play.As its inception, the Yongjun football team has hosted several large-scale city-wide tournaments, including the “Ping An Rule of Law Cup” and the “Rule of Law Support the Army COSCO Petrochemical Cup.” These events have not only promoted local sporting culture but also contributed to the growth and advancement of football within the community.
Kicking off Community Bonds: An Interview with Former Professional Footballer Lee Chen on the “Pengcui Cup”
The “Pengcui Cup” Football Invitational Tournament, hosted by the Yangtze River Yongjun Club, recently wrapped up in Lianhe Village, unveiling more than just impressive football skills. It revealed a powerful commitment to community progress through sport. Today, we’re joined by Lee Chen, a former professional footballer with extensive experience in youth development programs, to delve deeper into the tournament’s impact and the role of clubs like the Yangtze River Yongjun Club in fostering a love for the beautiful game.
Moderator: Lee, thank you for joining us. The “Pengcui Cup” clearly attracted strong local teams. What are your thoughts on the level of play we witnessed?
Lee Chen: It was fantastic to see such competitive and spirited matches! The dedication and talent displayed by these amateur teams was truly impressive. What struck me most was the camaraderie and sportsmanship on full display. It’s clear this tournament is about much more than just winning.
Moderator: Absolutely! The Yangtze River Yongjun Club deserves commendation for their Expanded “Starlight Sports” program, which includes football, basketball, and badminton. How significant is it for clubs to offer a diverse range of sports to the community?
Lee Chen: It’s crucial. Not every athlete is drawn to the same sport, and offering variety caters to different interests and abilities. This inclusivity encourages broader participation, fostering a healthy and active community.
Moderator: You have extensive experience in youth development. What impact can initiatives like the Yangtze River Yongjun Club’s youth football program have on young athletes?
Lee Chen: These programs are invaluable. They offer a platform for kids to learn essential life skills: teamwork, discipline, resilience. The benefits extend beyond the field, instilling positive values and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Moderator: The Yongjun Club’s outreach extends beyond their own members,engaging with schools,community centers,and retired soldiers. How important is this cross-community connection in strengthening relationships?
Lee Chen: Building bridges between different segments of society is vital. Football has the power to transcend boundaries and unite people from diverse backgrounds. Initiatives like those championed by the Yangtze River Yongjun Club are instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity.
Moderator: We also see the Yongjun Club hosting larger tournaments like the “Ping An rule of Law Cup” and the “Rule of Law Support the Army COSCO Petrochemical Cup.” Do you believe these larger-scale events contribute to the growth of football in the region?
Lee Chen: Undoubtedly. These tournaments provide a platform for teams to test their skills against stronger competition,elevating the overall standard of play. They also generate excitement within the community, attracting new fans and inspiring young athletes.
Moderator: Lee, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights. Before we wrap up, I’d love to here your thoughts on the future of grassroots football initiatives like the “Pengcui Cup.”
Lee Chen: The future is luminous. Provided that there are passionate individuals and organizations like the Yangtze River Yongjun Club dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering community spirit through football, the sport will continue to thrive.
Moderator: Thank you, Lee. I want to open the floor now to our readers. What are your thoughts on the “Pengcui Cup” and its impact on the community? Have you participated in grassroots football initiatives? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.
