Members of Team Jinhua and Team Wenzhou compete at the Wuyue Cup finale. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The first Zhejiang City Football League, known as the Wuyue Cup and dubbed "Zhejiang's own World Cup", concluded on June 11 at Hangzhou's Huanglong Sports Center, drawing more than 42,000 spectators for the championship match.

After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Jinhua defeated Wenzhou 6-5 in a penalty shootout to claim the first-ever title.

Launched with teams representing Zhejiang's 11 cities, the tournament was designed as a grassroots competition, with players required to have local household registration, social insurance or student status.

Over two months and 62 matches, the tournament became a showcase of community football and city pride. Teams competed not only for victory but also for the honor of their hometowns, creating strong emotional connections between players and fans.

The competition also delivered a significant economic boost. Host cities rolled out travel, dining and tourism promotions linked to match tickets, while thousands of supporters traveled across the province to follow their teams.

According to third-party estimates, the tournament generated 702 million yuan ($103.9 million) in direct economic impact and a further 1.59 billion yuan in indirect benefits.

The Wuyue Cup highlighted Zhejiang's growing football culture and strong foundation in grassroots sports. By bringing local players onto a major stage and turning football into a celebration of community identity, the tournament has sparked new enthusiasm for the sport across the province.

Fans cheer for Team Jinhua. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]