Courtesy: China Daily


Futsal league to begin this month

26/10/2012

by Chen Xiangfeng

With the Chinese Super League season coming to an end, local soccer fans, especially youngsters, can turn their attention to another popular tournament: The 2012-13 Xstep Chinese College Futsal League.

Hosted by the Federation of University Sports of China and the Chinese Football Association, the new season of the nationwide five-a-side soccer game will take place from this month until next May, the organizing committee announced at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

The CCFL, which started in 2003, has become one of the most popular and recognized sports among Chinese colleges and universities. Last season's league covered 15 provinces and featured 228 teams and 2,736 students.

The new season will involve teams from more than 200 colleges in 15 provinces that will compete in regional qualifiers, north and south divisions and national finals.

Futsal requires a smaller field which makes it easier for students to take part.

Under this season's slogan, "Play My Game", the CCFL plans to emphasize entertainment and interactivity at the games.
"The CCFL plays a key role in developing the sport at the university level," said Yang Liguo, secretary-general of the FUSC. "Besides, China still falls behind the world's soccer powerhouses in the number of people playing soccer. The CCFL expands the sport to more areas and that will help boost the game."

The national winner will get a chance to represent China on the international stage.

Hubei University, the defending champion, played at the 13th World University Futsal Championship in Braga, Portugal, in September and finished eighth.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com