China University Football League starts tournament

About 1,400 soccer teams will compete in the upcoming China University Football League, the top soccer tournament among Chinese universities, the organizers announced on Tuesday.

The nationwide league, which was launched in 2000, will begin in October and last until July next year, aiming to develop soccer talents in Chinese universities.

"The tournament will help improve students' physical abilities, as well as boost China's soccer at the grassroots level," said Jin Zhiyang, former head coach of the Beijing Institute of Technology.

Last year, more than 1,200 teams with over 25,150 players participated in the league.