Watch SZ Subdistrict Soccer Super League matches

Nearly 1,500 players from Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao are competing in the 2025 Shenzhen Subdistrict Soccer Super League, which will run through early December. The matches are being held in Pingshan, Longgang, Futian, and Nanshan districts. Schedules can be found on the event’s official WeChat account (ID: SZTPLFC).

Players react during the 2025 Shenzhen Subdistrict Soccer Super League. Courtesy of the organizer

Co-organized by the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism, and Sports Bureau and the Pingshan District People’s Government, the event was inaugurated in Pingshan in 2023 as the Shenzhen Subdistrict Soccer Invitational Tournament.

Fondly dubbed “Jiechao” (Shenzhen Subdistrict Super League) by local fans, it has grown rapidly — from 12 subdistrict teams in 2023 to 32 teams in 2024, which included 16 expat players. It has become a signature sports event in Shenzhen.

This year’s event covers more communities, enterprises, and schools. Anyone may take part except current professional players. It adopts the FIFA World Cup format, with 48 teams contesting 104 matches.

Each subdistrict team must include at least 10 subdistrict residents, and at least three of those residents are required to play in matches — a rule designed to boost grassroots participation. Three elite teams from Hong Kong and Macao highlight sports exchanges across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

More than 20 expats have registered this year, reflecting Shenzhen’s inclusiveness. Over 40 retired professional players who previously competed in pro leagues will also participate, raising the level of competition.

The “Jiechao” coincides with the 15th National Games, which will be held from Nov. 9 to 21 in the GBA. The Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism, and Sports Bureau will organize a series of tech, sports, and tourism activities citywide.