Chasing a dream

Although Jingchuan Wenhui is gradually transforming into a professional club, it still faces problems such as a lack of funds, a permanent sponsor and a home ground.

"Despite these difficulties, I think our love for soccer will help us overcome such hurdles. Everyone is enjoying the sport and trying to realize their dreams," Wang said.

The club receives an annual donation of 200,000 yuan ($28,660) from an avid soccer fan who owns a local school.

"It's not much money, but without his support, the club cannot operate," Wang said.

Even if they don't get the chance to play, the club's older players always accompany the team to away matches as substitutes, assistant coaches, or team doctors.

Li Xin, a player and founding member of Jingchuan Wenhui, missed the match with Beijing Guo'an due to COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control measures, but he watched the game online.

"After our victory, I looked back to the days when my friends and I played soccer as kids. After 20 years, we still love the game and have finally gained recognition," Li said.

The team was formed due to local soccer enthusiasts' love for the game, Li said, adding that he and a group of friends have played soccer together since they were at primary school and junior high school.

"I think the 1998 World Cup in France planted the seeds of a soccer dream for myself and my schoolmates. Some of us had to give up the game due to health issues, work, or family problems. But as long as we can get a team together, the rest of us will stick at it, even if we need to foot the bills from our own pockets," he added.

After the victory over Beijing Guo'an, more parents approached Li to inquire about youth soccer training.

He said that over the years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of people talking about and developing a love for soccer.

The Chinese Football Association said in an article published on its website: "Soccer fans are enthusiastic, and they encourage and motivate the players. Supporters can no longer ignore the name Jingchuan Wenhui."

The association sent the club a congratulatory letter, describing the team as an "important name card" for promoting the image of the county, Pingliang and Gansu.

"We will increase support for the construction of match facilities, events arrangement, and training services," said Mu Dongmei, head of the sports bureau in Pingliang.

Pingliang Sports Park, which is expected to open by the end of this year, will serve as a free training base and home ground for Jingchuan Wenhui. With estimated investment of 1.6 billion yuan, the park covers about 30 hectares and has two standard-size soccer fields.