Grassroots soccer tournament has international flavor

Representatives of teams from several consulates after the draw. [Photo by Qiu Quanlin/chinadaily.com.cn]

A soccer tournament featuring several overseas consulates has kicked off in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, on Saturday aimed at boosting grassroots soccer communication, according to organizers.

The event, organized by Chinese Super League club Guangzhou R&F, includes teams representing the Guangzhou consulates of the United States, the United Kingdom, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, together with Chinese teams Guangzhou Feifu and Guangzhou R&F Media United.

"The tournament will be more like a small 'World Cup', featuring teams from renowned soccer developed countries," said Huang Shenghua, deputy chairman of Guangzhou R&F Football Club.

The event will run until Nov 29.

"Guangzhou R&F will organize more events to promote soccer development at grassroots level," said Huang.