Jiangsu Football City League kicks off in Taizhou with thrilling opener

The Taizhou athlete headbutts the ball into the goal in the 10th minute. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

The 2025 Jiangsu Football City League kicked off its Taizhou division with an electrifying first match at the Taizhou Sports Park on May 10. The league brings together 13 city-named teams to promote local culture and community spirit.

The league features 516 players ranging from university and high school students to professionals and amateurs, with ages spanning from 16 to 40. The diversity of the team members reflects the widespread enthusiasm for football across Jiangsu.

The opening match drew nearly 10,000 spectators, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Taizhou's team launched an aggressive offensive early on. In the 10th minute, Taizhou capitalized on a corner kick with a powerful header, taking the lead. Despite Wuxi's efforts to ramp up the pressure and several close attempts, Taizhou's goalkeeper delivered a stellar performance.

In the 51st minute, Taizhou once again found success with a header from a corner, extending their lead to 2–0. Both sides had further chances to score, but neither could convert. Taizhou ultimately claimed a 2–0 victory in the division's opening match.

Shui Qingxia, former head coach of China's national women's football team, praised Taizhou's development in football. She noted the city's growing contributions to national talent and expressed confidence in its future role in advancing Jiangsu and Chinese football.