Soccer tournament in Guangzhou to boost game in schools, communities

A soccer tournament between 16 amateur teams will kick off in August in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, according to the organizers.

The tournament, which has been organized by Guangzhou Super Football Club, a private association led by former Chinese national team player Peng Weiguo, aims to boost local soccer in communities and schools, they said.

"By launching the tournament, we hope more companies will support soccer development," said Peng, who has been leading the club to promote the game's training in schools and communities.

More than 50 local companies with business ranging from finance, hotel, property, energy, fast consumption and chemicals to logistics have applied to take part in the tournament, which will begin on August 2 and end on September 6.

Since June, Peng has led a team of several retired players to visit some 20 local schools to promote soccer by providing training courses, according to the club.