Their world cup runneth over

• Source: Global Times
• [11:22 June 18 2010]
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'The most exciting league in Asia'

The league has adopted the moniker "The Most Exciting League in Asia" and most participants agree with this for a variety of reasons. It is generally agreed that the improvement in the game played over the years is one of the major factors. "As the expat community continues to grow, so does the talent pool for every team and the possibility of adding new teams. Since 2001 we have been selecting an SIFL 'Dream Team', which plays a friendly match against a local professional or semi-pro team from the lower divisions of the Chinese league. Over the years we've only lost three times which is a testament to the level of players coming here," said Bus.

Berger pointed out that the fluid nature of the foreign community in Shanghai keeps the league interesting every year. "We've had teams that are perennially good, but there are always shake-ups with people coming and going from the city. A team can be a powerhouse one year and be facing relegation to the lower league the next because of players moving away, or a team can get to the top quickly with the addition of some new blood. It's always interesting because you never know how the season will end."

They have also had several teams regularly compete and win in amateur football tournaments around Asia including the long-running Far East Football Tournament in Bangkok, the Phuket International Soccer 7s, and the Manila Nomads Veterans Plate competition. "Our teams' participation and results spread the word about the SIFL to other countries, and confirms that we're one of the most competitive leagues in Asia," said Berger.

When asked about intra-China competition and the SIFL, Berger said, "We know that there are some big leagues in Beijing and Guangzhou, and some smaller leagues in many second-tier cities. The idea of an all-China amateur tournament has been batted around but it just doesn't seem possible right now. Not only would it be a huge task to organize but it would also be very expensive for the teams involved if we couldn't find a sponsor that was large and reliable enough."

"The SIFL has been my baby, I love to see it grow and prosper, and I'm confident that this will continue. Next year we're going to have at least 20 teams, and we're hoping to have a third division in a few years," said Bus.