On the morning of April 8, the send-off ceremony for the Changzhou team competing in the 2026 Jiangsu Football City League (JSCL) was held at the newly renovated Zenith Steel Changzhou Hotel.

Olympic champion and Changzhou native Zhang Changning attended the event alongside club and sponsor representatives, as well as fans and media, to cheer on the team as it begins its 2026 JSCL campaign.

The ceremony opened with a creative song and dance performance, followed by the entrance of the Changzhou squad after completing several months of closed-door winter training. With an average age of just 23.6, the young team displayed strong morale and determination.

The squad is built around the Zenith Steel Football Club and represents a new generation of football talent in Changzhou.

To support the team throughout the new season, comprehensive medical services have been put in place. These include four dedicated team doctors accompanying the squad, as well as a 24-hour fast-track medical service provided by the Changzhou Sports Hospital, covering pre-match, in-match and post-match care.

At the ceremony, head coach Zheng Xiaotian outlined the team’s preparations, while player representative Su Qiaoqiao took an oath on behalf of the squad. Gao Yiping, chairman of the Zenith Steel Football Club, also expressed strong support for the hometown team.

Drawing on her own competitive experience, Zhang Changning encouraged the players to seize the opportunity and wished them success in the upcoming matches. A fan representative echoed the spirit of “dare to fight, dare to win,” pledging unwavering support regardless of the results.

A formal flag presentation ceremony was held, during which the team flag was handed to captain Wang Hongyu. The event culminated in a symbolic kickoff by vice-captain Yu Zhicheng, sparking enthusiastic chants of “Changzhou!” from the crowd.

The ceremony marked the official start of the team’s new season.

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