Soccer players compete during a match of the second Qianchao Cup International Youth Football Invitational. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The second Qianchao Cup International Youth Football Invitational has opened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, bringing together 12 Chinese and overseas U15 teams.

Organized by the Hangzhou sports bureau, the tournament will run until Nov 8 and features teams including Real Racing Club, FK Partizan, AFC Bournemouth, Standard Liege, and Zhejiang FC.

Under the theme of integrating technology, sports, and culture, the event combines competition with cultural activities, visits to science and technology facilities, and youth training exchanges.

The tournament uses a group-stage round-robin format followed by placement matches, with 36 games scheduled. In the opening matches, Zhejiang FC defeated Thailand's Chiang Mai team 5-0, while FK Partizan beat AFC Bournemouth 3-0. Other results on the first day included Chongqing U15's 2-1 win over Standard Liege and Real Racing Club's 3-0 victory over Hangzhou U15.

The tournament aims to promote international youth soccer exchanges and bring advanced training practices to Hangzhou. It also draws on the city's experience hosting major sporting events, including the Asian Games, as Hangzhou develops its profile as an international sports events destination.