Cows, pigs for winners

The match garnered significant attention, not just because of the unusual nature of the event, but also due to the growing popularity of soccer in Rongjiang.

Zhang, a die-hard soccer fan, moved from Chengdu, Sichuan province, to Rongjiang last June to work as the onground match commentator. He is also the executive director of the Rongjiang Charity Union and the Cun Chao Research Institute.

His dedication to soccer and involvement in local initiatives related to the sport have added an extra dimension to his commentary, enriching the experience for both players and spectators.

Rongjiang's rise to national and international prominence through the Village Super League is mainly due to the locals' passion for the tournament and their pride in sharing it with others, Zhang believes.

"This was no cynical cash grab," Zhang said of the league's rise to fame.

"The players are all amateurs, and entry to the stadium is free. There's no prize money for the winners. Instead, the winning side is awarded a cow, and the runners-up receive a plump pig. It's all about community spirit and local pride."

The soccer culture in Rongjiang is a testament to the power of sports to unite people and foster a sense of belonging. The village soccer teams are an integral part of local life, and the cun chao matches are significant events.

Last year, about 20 soccer teams participated in the tournament. This year, the number increased to over 60, Zhang said. Almost every one of the 250 villages in Rongjiang has its own soccer team, while more schools are fielding teams helping to expand the growth of soccer in the county.

"Now, besides the cun chao, Rongjiang also invites soccer teams from around the world to play games," he said.

"Every day, we have at least two soccer matches with players of various ages," Zhang said. "Soccer has become a name card for Rongjiang."

The team of musicians would have noticed this predominance of soccer at the Cun Chao Hotel where they stayed. A soccer theme is evident throughout the building, with photos of past matches decorating the walls of the lobby and rooms.

Cultural exchange

The visit to Rongjiang, however, was not solely about the soccer match. The Monday Musician Football Club was also committed to spreading musical joy and cultural enrichment during its visit.

On Aug 24, the day after their game, they performed a variety of musical pieces, from the lively Polka Italienne by Sergei Rachmaninoff for one piano and four hands to Solveig's Song for solo trumpet by Edvard Grieg, at the town's cultural center.

The musicians also adapted local folk songs and invited local residents to perform alongside them on stage.

On the same day, they made a significant donation to Rongjiang, including musical scores, books, instruments, and recordings. Their hope is to create a new music library and provide local children with access to valuable cultural resources.

Yuan said while growing up in Guiyang his love of music and soccer were equal.

"After moving to Beijing to study music, soccer became my escape from the rigors of my studies. There was no internet or smartphone back then, so playing soccer with classmates was a simple yet fulfilling joy," Yuan said.

He also sees parallels between soccer and music as both require teamwork and practice.

"In soccer, as in music, cooperation is essential. Soccer and music are universal languages, each with its own ability to connect people and transcend boundaries. Music nurtures the soul, while soccer benefits physical health and fosters global unity," Yuan said.

Pianist Yang said the intersection of music and soccer may seem unconventional, but it reflects a broader truth about the power of these two forms of expression.

"Music and soccer, though different in form, both possess a profound ability to connect people and transcend boundaries. Music has the capacity to bridge cultural gaps and evoke deep emotional responses, while soccer unites people through its global appeal and shared excitement," he said.

As the musicians prepared to leave Rongjiang, they carried with them not only memories of a successful soccer match and memorable concert, but also a renewed appreciation for the role of cultural exchanges.

"The goal is to offer practical opportunities for local people to engage with music and foster a new generation of musicians and music enthusiasts," Yuan explained.

"We are also focusing on establishing long-term collaborations to enhance music education in Guizhou.

"Discussions are underway to create partnerships with local educational institutions to organize regular music workshops, lectures, and master classes led by experienced professionals," he added.