Embarking on a brand new journey and a new starting point. On March 5th, Beijing time, Yunnan Yukun Football Club held a grand ceremony at the Yuxi Highland Sports Center to celebrate the start of the 2024 season, which saw the club "squeak by" after a close call at the end of the league. The ceremony brought together leaders from the Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau, Provincial Football Association, Yuxi Municipal Government, Yukun Steel Group, as well as members of the club, players and representatives of the fans' association, about 150 people. Head coach Li Jin Yu revealed in an interview that the club's stable atmosphere was a key factor in his decision to coach. Despite the high expectations of Yukun, as a newly promoted Chinese first division team, the goal of the new season is to play steadily.
During the kick-off ceremony, attendees reviewed the team's glorious moments from the 2023 season and expressed their gratitude for the support of the fans. Coach Li Jin Yu then made a declaration of determination for the new season. He said that although the 2023 season is full of challenges, the team firmly believes in the power of dreams and will pursue it relentlessly without fear of difficulties. In the face of strong opponents and fierce competition in the new season, he firmly believes that with a united and passionate team, the team will be able to achieve another success. Since regrouping at the beginning of December last year, the team has put in three months of careful preparation for the new season, and the lineup and tactics are gradually taking shape. In the new season, the team will take a more rigorous attitude and more scientific training methods to enhance its strength and meet the challenges. The team will continue to uphold the spirit of "unity, hard work and enterprise", go all out to win glory for Yunnan, and strive to gain a foothold in the Central League, bringing more soccer joy to Yunnan fans.
During the ceremony, player representative Zhao Yuhao took a solemn oath. The Yunnan-born player finally returned to his hometown this season after years of drifting in the Chinese Super League. He expects to energize the team and create a new business card for Yunnan soccer.
The new season's home and away jerseys were also officially unveiled, with the home orange jerseys mirroring the away blue jerseys. Yukon Club's fan organization also met with the players. Fans, as the power source of the team, are also the witnesses of Yukon's growth. About 150 fans from Yukun Fan Association, Kirin Club, New Yunnan Army, Mini Steel Warriors and Yunnan University Union Fan Association will provide solid support to the team. In the new season, they will be in the same boat with the team, cheering for home and away matches and becoming the team's most solid backing.
With the conclusion of the recruitment ceremony, Yang Zhonghua, Director of the Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau, handed over the recruitment flag, symbolizing mission and glory, to Yunnan player Zhao Yuhao. With this, Yunnan Yukun Football Club has officially started its first China First Division season.
