The Fujian city soccer league has drawn notable participation from players originating in Taiwan, fostering increased cross-Strait engagement through sports. The competition involves 10 teams representing Fujian’s nine cities and the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone, with nearly 500 amateur athletes competing. The tournament, which began earlier this year, is set to conclude with a final scheduled for October.
As part of efforts to promote integration and camaraderie between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland, the league permits each team to include up to two Taiwan players on their rosters. By August, 19 players from Taiwan had joined various city teams, according to the Fujian provincial administration of sport. Data provided by organizers indicates that more than 1,500 Taiwanese residents have attended matches held across Fujian this season.
Among the Taiwan players participating is Ni Pei-hsu, 24, who joined Fuzhou’s soccer club in late June after seeing recruitment announcements online. Ni highlighted the enthusiasm generated by large spectator turnouts, noting his excitement at performing in front of nearly 50,000 fans during a recent match at the Fuzhou Strait Olympic Sports Center, where Fuzhou secured a 3-1 victory over Longyan. Another Taiwan player on the team, Huang Wei-chieh, scored the opening goal in that match.
Similarly, Yang Chih-po, who signed with the Pingtan club in June, made an immediate impact by scoring a decisive goal in a 1-0 away win against Nanping on June 27, ending Pingtan’s seven-game losing streak. Yang acknowledged the pressure from large in-person and online audiences but emphasized the quality of the sports environment on the mainland and encouraged other Taiwan players to take advantage of the competitive platform.
The league has also focused on fostering fan engagement, offering free tickets and designating viewing areas specifically for Taiwanese spectators to encourage attendance. To further build shared enthusiasm, organizers have introduced a short-video event inviting supporters from both sides of the Strait to celebrate together.
Taiwanese students and families have been actively involved as well. Chen Yu-hsuan, a Taiwan student at Xiamen Information School, serves as a cheerleader for the Xiamen club, expressing pride in representing the city before mixed crowds. Additionally, a family from Taoyuan, Taiwan, traveled to Xiamen to support their son, who plays for the Xiamen team after previously representing Jinmen in a league exchange match. The visit marked their first trip to the mainland, and they commended the vibrant atmosphere at the matches, noting it differs significantly from soccer culture in Taiwan.
Coaching staff also emphasize the league’s role in strengthening personal and professional ties. Zhang Yuehong, assistant coach of the Xiamen team, described Taiwan players as welcome additions who contribute to a harmonious, collaborative environment. The league is seen as a potential stepping stone for future inclusion of full Taiwan teams.
Lee Chenshuan, president of the Pingtan Taiwan Business Association and a participant in the league, highlighted the event as a valuable opportunity for Taiwan players to engage with local culture and broaden their experience in sports, including coaching and logistics roles. Lee anticipates that the league’s model may extend to other provinces such as Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Sichuan, potentially expanding opportunities for Taiwan players across mainland China.
A spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office remarked that grassroots soccer leagues like Fujian’s have sparked wide enthusiasm among fans from both sides of the Strait during the summer season. She noted that Taiwan players actively contribute alongside mainland teammates and receive strong support, underscoring the positive outcomes when individuals pursue their passion and dedication in an inclusive sporting environment.