In 2025

　　On May 19 this year, my daughter's head teacher sent a notice in the class WeChat group, hoping that parents would take their children to watch a Jiangsu Super League match — Taizhou Team's second home game against Nantong Team on June 1 — so that the kids could feel the passionate atmosphere of football from an early age. To be honest, I've always loved football myself, so this notice became a legitimate "excuse" for me, and that's how I got to know the JS Super League.  

　　The sudden emergence of the JS Super League, with the struggles on the green football pitch, has ignited the flame of ordinary people's pursuit of dreams. It has become a phenomenal hit in China's sports and cultural tourism sector this year and a hot topic of conversation among people after meals. Unfortunately, snatching tickets online is extremely difficult.  

　　One week before the home game against Xuzhou on June 29, my childhood best friend suggested we join a fan club so that we could often watch matches together in person. I replied, "I’ve got the same idea!" That’s how the two of us became members of the Taizhou Fengcheng Blue Lions Fan Club and started our JS Super League journey this spring and summer.  

　　Bart’s bicycle kick ignited the fiery passion of the home fans; their cheers pierced the sky, making it one of the most thrilling moments of Taizhou Team in this year’s JS Super League. Regrettably, Taizhou eventually lost to Xuzhou 2-1, but soon after, they ushered in a brilliant streak of three consecutive wins: defeating Zhenjiang 2-0, Suqian 1-0, and Lianyungang 3-2. The match against Lianyungang was particularly classic — Taizhou Team fell behind twice, equalized twice, and finally pulled off a stunning comeback! After the tempering of the JS Super League, the "Taizhou Blue" has evolved into a tough, unyielding team that fears no defeat, refuses to admit defeat, and never gives up. It is also the best embodiment of Taizhou’s "Three No Beliefs" city spirit, bringing a surging wave of attention to the city.  

　　As a member of the fan club, to better promote my hometown and cheer for Taizhou Team, we trained by the Fengcheng River under the scorching 39°C heat, shouting the slogan "Taizhou is Truly Beautiful, We Truly Miss You"; we also went to the Old Street to promote Taizhou’s morning tea culture. As an electrician squad leader at Haiyang Technology, I have endless tasks every day; as a father and husband, I also shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the family. Although I’ve poured countless efforts into this, my deep-seated love for the city, the company, and football leaves me with no regrets — instead, it drives me to train even harder. Our enthusiasm for football on the pitch, our loud cheers for Taizhou Team, and our all-out dedication quickly won recognition from the fan club.  

　　Coincidentally, there are five fans (including me) from Zhangdian, my hometown. We are also the most dedicated when it comes to cheering at the stadium, and the "Zhangdian Five" have become a signature of the Fengcheng Blue Lions Fan Club. Passion and perseverance have become our "ticket" to the JS Super League stadiums, allowing us to cheer for the team in person at every match.  

　　Later, Taizhou Team drew 1-1 with Suzhou, drew 1-1 with Changzhou, lost 3-1 to Huai’an, and defeated Nanjing 3-0. Particularly on the evening of September 20, when Taizhou Team beat Nanjing 3-0, the cheers of nearly 30,000 fans inside and outside Taizhou Sports Park resounded through the sky! That night, while eating barbecue on the street, we ran into some Nanjing fans. Instead of holding grudges over the result, we toasted each other; the Nanjing fans even invited us to visit them when Taizhou Team plays an away game there.  

　　Taizhou Team finally advanced to the quarterfinals with a sixth-place finish! When they faced Xuzhou again in the quarterfinals, it became a veritable "revenge match." Our players fought with all their might. Trailing by one goal in the first half, I held high the "Taizhou Fight" scarf and shouted "Keep Fighting" together with other fans — this scene was captured live by China Central Television (CCTV).  

　　The fans’ encouragement inspired Taizhou Team, and the players did not disappoint. They stayed calm and equalized the score in the second half, then defeated Xuzhou in the penalty shootout to advance to the semifinals. Taizhou Team’s journey is just as the host commented after the match: "A waterfall is magnificent because it has no way back; water drips can penetrate stone because of their perseverance. Only by persisting in what others cannot persist in can one possess what others cannot possess." As a fan, I was overwhelmed with excitement the moment I fully understood these words. There is no such thing as "things falling into place effortlessly" in this world; all achievements are simply the natural outcome of ordinary people’s hard work and sweat.  

　　On October 18, in the semifinal of the Jiangsu Provincial City Football League (JS Super League), Taizhou Team defeated Nanjing Team 9-8 on aggregate via a penalty shootout. Having "defeated higher-ranked opponents" for two consecutive rounds, they advanced to the final and set a spectator record of 61,565 people. This was the most dedicated and exciting night for us.  

　　The JS Super League has long been more than just about winning or losing. It is a family-friendly activity by the stadium on weekends, a thrilling topic for neighbors and colleagues to discuss, and a sports passion passed down among young people. No matter what the future holds, the perseverance and passion that Taizhou Team has shown on the JS Super League pitch have already become the most precious memory in my heart. As a Taizhou fan and an employee of Haiyang Technology, my JS Super League journey is filled with hardships, yet brimming with joy.  

Cheng Hui  

Nylon Mechanical and Electrical Department

The images in this article are provided by members of the Taizhou Fengcheng Lianshi Fan Club