Lu Zhiyong gives instructions to a player of the school football team of Xinhong Experimental School during a training class on campus in Changzhou, city of east China's Jiangsu Province, June 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

The 2025 Jiangsu Football City League, dubbed with "Su Super League," -- made up of 13 city teams competing in the east China's Jiangsu province -- has become the most igniting sporting phenomenon in the country this summer. With no big name players and coaches, an amateur soccer league has captured the nation's imagination largely through the fierce passion from local participants and fans.

According to the statistics, only 29 out of the 500 participants were professional players, while the rest are amateurs from various industries.

Lu Zhiyong, 32-year-old, a PE teacher at Xinhong Experimental School of Changzhou and also a midfielder of Changzhou Team, has become a campus star due to his performance in the past rounds of competitions at the league.

Lu Zhiyong (2nd L) gives instructions to the players of the school football team of Xinhong Experimental School during a training class on campus in Changzhou, city of east China's Jiangsu Province, June 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Lu received systematic football training in his teenage years. After graduating from the college, he served as a PE teacher of Xinhong Experimental School and the coach of the school football coach. He leads the school team in training every day after school, coaching the young players football techniques and teamwork patiently. What's more, he aims to impart the spirit of football to his students-- get back after falling down and never give up while lagging behind.

Lu Zhiyong (2nd L) of Changzhou Team attends a training session one day ahead of the fifth round match against Nanjing Team at the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League in Changzhou, city of east China's Jiangsu Province, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

As the competition progresses, more and more students at school have been following the "Su Super League". Whenever they see Lu Zhiyong, children cheer him on warmly.

The "Su Super League" provides a shining stage for ordinary people like Lu Zhiyong. "As long as you have passion and delicate your all, each one can take the field and shine their own light," Lu firmly believes. 

Lu Zhiyong (2nd R) of Changzhou Team competes during the fifth round match against Nanjing Team at the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League in Changzhou, city of east China's Jiangsu Province, June 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Lu Zhiyong (rear, center) poses with the players of the school football team of Xinhong Experimental School during a training class on campus in Changzhou, city of east China's Jiangsu Province, June 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Bo)