When the floodwaters receded in Rongjiang County, Guizhou, what remained on the football pitch was not cheers, but mud and devastation.

In June 2024, continuous heavy rainfall caused severe flooding across the region. Core venues of the beloved “Village Super League,” including Zhongcheng Village, were badly damaged—natural turf was torn away, infrastructure collapsed, and the spirit of a community built around football faced an immense challenge.

More Than a Game: A Grassroots League That Inspired a Nation

Since capturing national attention in 2023, the Rongjiang “Village Super League” has grown into much more than a football tournament. It is a celebration of rural vitality, community pride, and cultural heritage. Villagers become players, neighbors become fans, and the fields become arenas of shared joy.

During the 2023 season alone, Rongjiang welcomed over 5.19 million tourists and generated nearly 6 billion yuan in tourism revenue. The league has become a beacon of rural revitalization—and a source of deep emotional connection for locals.

After the disaster, restoring the pitch became a mission not only to repair a field, but to protect a dream.

Turf with Purpose: Professional Support from Jiangsu VIVATURF

At this critical moment, Jiangsu VIVATURF CO., LIMITED extended a helping hand by donating 8,000 square meters of high-quality, FIFA-certified artificial football turf, along with all necessary infill materials and supporting accessories—completely free of charge.

Beyond materials, VIVATURF also dispatched a professional team to Rongjiang to assist with installation. Within just 8 days, the entire pitch was fully restored and ready for play.

This rapid response reflects not only the company’s technical strength in the sports turf industry, but also its deep sense of social responsibility and commitment to community rebuilding.

Where Legends Meet Locals: Global Football Icons Illuminate Rongjiang’s Rebirth

As the newly installed turf was completed at Zhongcheng Village Stadium, a special opening ceremony unfolded—one filled with hope, emotion, and global attention. Rongjiang’s “Village Super League” had not only returned—it had risen, stronger than ever.

To mark this powerful moment, two football legends made a surprise appearance: Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos and Italy’s “Prince of Melancholy,” Roberto Baggio. Stepping onto the pitch still glistening from recent restoration, the stars were welcomed with open arms by villagers, players, and fans alike.

Carlos’s signature smile and Baggio’s soulful gaze brought warmth and wonder to this rural setting. They signed autographs, took photos, and shared joyful moments with the community—bridging worlds through a shared love of football.

Their presence was more than a celebrity visit; it was a tribute to the unyielding spirit of the Rongjiang people, and a heartfelt recognition of what the “Village Super League” represents: authentic passion, grassroots unity, and the true soul of the game.

In this unforgettable moment, the heartbeat of rural football met the brilliance of global stardom—imbuing this newly rebuilt field with meaning far beyond sport.

From Flooded Fields to Fields of Hope

Mud can be cleaned. Turf can be replaced. But the love of football—and the determination to move forward—remain strong in Rongjiang.

What we have laid down is not just 8,000 square meters of synthetic grass. It is the foundation for new stories, new celebrations, and a renewed sense of togetherness.

As the whistle blows once again and the ball rolls across the restored green, this is more than a return to play. It is the power of community, rising together after the storm.

Because as long as dreams take root, the game of life goes on.