Changwon Special City i-LEAGUE Concludes Seven-Month Run with 250 Players Participating

All Young Soccer Players Embrace Harmony Over Competition

Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam has completed all league schedules with the 9th round of the 2022 Changwon Special City i-LEAGUE.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam News Bureau, Song Jonggu] On November 27, Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam concluded its seven-month league schedule with the final 9th round of the 2022 Changwon Special City i-LEAGUE.

This tournament, hosted by the Korea Football Association and organized by the Changwon Football Association, featured 250 players from Changwon and other cities and counties in Gyeongnam. The players were grouped into U-6, U-8, U-10, and U-12 teams. From May, matches were held once or twice a month, for a total of nine rounds.

The i-LEAGUE, named after the Korean word for "child" ("ai"), was established by the Korea Football Association in 2013 to realize infinite potential, imagination, and inspiration. This year, matches were held in more than 40 locations nationwide, including Changwon.

On Sundays, when the league matches took place, the four stadiums and futsal field at Changwon Football Center would be bustling with players and spectators from early morning. Cheers and applause filled the stadium throughout the games.

Especially on the final day of the league, November 27, the sight of young players moving swiftly and energetically, undeterred by the sudden cold weather, was enough to captivate everyone watching.

After all the matches concluded that day, every participant received souvenirs such as soccer balls and bags. True to the spirit of a tournament that emphasizes the enjoyment of soccer over competition, there were no team rankings or award ceremonies.

Koo Jin-ho, Director of Culture, Tourism, and Sports, said, "Through this i-LEAGUE, young soccer players demonstrated a mature sports culture based on harmony rather than competition. We will continue to support the growth of youth soccer."