David Beckham backs grassroots football in Suzhou as 'Su Chao' league gains popularity

(ECNS) -- Football star David Beckham recently visited Suzhou to support local football development, interacting warmly with players and cheering "Suzhou, go for it!" in a slightly accented Suzhou dialect. The moment, shared by China Daily, quickly went viral online, drawing praise for the city's vibrant football culture.

Beckham's visit highlights the growing popularity of the Su Chao, or Jiangsu Provincial Urban Football League, an amateur tournament featuring teams from all 13 cities in Jiangsu Province.

The league has attracted more than 180,000 spectators, matching the excitement often seen in professional leagues.

Su Chao teams are named after cities but feature players from various walks of life, including teachers, students, couriers and programmers. The 2025 season includes 516 players aged 16 to 40, reflecting a "football for all" model aimed at making the sport more accessible.

The competition is known for its playful rivalries and catchy slogans. In one matchup between Nanjing and Wuxi, fans dubbed it "Salted Duck vs. Honey Peach," referencing each city's culinary specialties. A 1-1 draw between Suzhou and Wuxi inspired fans to joke, “Suzhou saved Taihu Lake, Wuxi kept its airport."

The June 1 match between Nanjing and Wuxi at Wutaishan Sports Center drew 15,669 fans, many of them families with children who braved rainy weather with umbrellas and raincoats.

Beyond sports, the league has boosted tourism and local economies. Cities have launched promotions tying match tickets to discounts on dining, lodging and shopping. Nanjing rolled out a "1+3" consumer package, while Yancheng, Zhenjiang and Huai’an offered free admission to local attractions and shopping discounts for visiting fans.

Changzhou invited Yangzhou residents to enjoy free access to all local A-level tourist sites during their match, quickly making Yangzhou visitors a key tourist group.

The third round of Su Chao coincided with the Dragon Boat Festival holiday and contributed to a 14.63% year-over-year increase in cultural tourism spending across six host cities through UnionPay channels. The event has become a new model for turning sports enthusiasm into tourism revenue.

The league's success demonstrates how amateur sports can promote civic pride, boost local economies and create a sense of community. Fans travel between cities, often staying overnight to enjoy local food and sights after matches.

With grassroots players taking the field and stars like Beckham showing support, Su Chao is redefining the role of local football in China as fun, accessible and deeply rooted in community spirit.