2017 CGM National Peace Soccer Tournament:
Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea Four Nations Skills Competition—Setting a Taiwanese Recreational Soccer Record

April 22, 2017

Over the weekend, Taiwan’s continuous high temperatures suddenly dropped to a refreshing degree. The timely rainfall after the long drought symbolizes the re-energization of Taiwan’s soccer culture. Assembling the recreational soccer teams of Taiwan, the main host, Christian Gospel Mission (CGM) Taiwan’s Soccer League, pooled together Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korean players from the Cheetah Gospel Soccer Club and the Taipei Joy Soccer Association to organize an international soccer carnival. Many soccer celebrities attended the opening ceremony, including Chinese Taipei National Football Team’s Head Coach, Kuroda Kazuo, Technical Director, Mr. Watanabe, and Coach of the Japan Blind Football Association, Mr. Tomohito, among others. Coach Kuroda Kazuo expressed that, while Taiwan does not have an active soccer culture, he was very touched after seeing the competitions held by CGM Taiwan’s Soccer League. He acknowledged their methods of nurturing the youth to enjoy soccer at a young age and CGM’s promotion of peace soccer in their soccer development history of over 10 years.

It has been over a decade since CGM Taiwan’s Soccer League first started in 2001. This year, 19 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams registered for the “CGM National Peace Soccer Tournament,” breaking the record for the most adult soccer teams registered for a single Taiwan league. Even during global competitions, it is hard for the Chinese Taipei National Football Team to face Japan and Korea, who are strong opponents, but through the CGM Taiwan’s Soccer League, the countries are able to regularly meet as friends and learn skills from one another. Captain of the CGM Taiwan’s Soccer League, Chun-Yen Yang, said, “The Founder and President of CGM, Jung Myung Seok, once said that soccer is the sport that is loved by the most people in the world. Peace between nations of the world must be achieved by utilizing a similar culture; therefore, CGM Soccer League advocates peace soccer. We do not play soccer for victory, but for peace.”

Breaking the stereotype that Taiwan is a “soccer desert,” soccer diplomacy was successfully achieved through the National Peace Soccer Tournament held by CGM as it connected Taiwan with the world. Communication between the nations was achieved through the international language of soccer. In order to enhance Taiwan’s soccer atmosphere, the annual competitions have been conducted like a carnival, preparing events such as fun soccer games, hand painting, food stalls, etc. for the spectators and the cheerleaders. This allows both adults and children to enjoy themselves. The passion of the public also influenced the weather: the rain stopped in the afternoon, closing this soccer exchange on a good note.

Referenced: Central News Agency (CNA News)