NANJING -- On a Saturday evening in May, before a Su Super League match between Changzhou and Huai'an in East China's Jiangsu province, a young Spanish boy in a red Changzhou jersey beamed with excitement as he walked onto the pitch hand-in-hand with a referee, alongside Chinese ball kids. Watching from the touchline, his father, Carlos Lorite, was visibly moved.

The hugely popular Su Super League is an amateur competition featuring 13 city teams from across Jiangsu. Launched last year, it kicked off its second season in April.

Lorite, a Spanish entrepreneur based in Changzhou, has been captivated by the league since its debut, especially by its passionate grassroots players and fans.

Most players are ordinary people with regular jobs, devoting their spare time to training and representing their hometowns. "I can really relate to them because I'm a football lover too. I even find myself wanting to join in. Their hard work makes me feel deeply connected to the team," he said.

He is equally impressed by the supporters. "Winning matters, but it never overshadows the joy of the game and the spirit of encouragement here," Lorite noted. "What moves me most is that fans cheer for both teams, no matter where the match is played."

To engage fans further, Changzhou launched an innovative "wish pool" campaign this year, inviting supporters to submit heartfelt wishes. After attending the season opener, Lorite made a simple request: that his son could walk out as a ball boy.

"My son was born and raised in Changzhou. He's always thrilled watching Su Super League games, and that's where the idea came from," he said. "I never imagined this wish would come true. It will be an unforgettable memory for him and our whole family."