Naju City Hall Soccer Club Team Wins 'Governor's Cup Civil Servants Soccer Tournament'

Published 17 Apr.2023 13:42(KST)

Naju City in Jeollanam-do claimed the overall championship in Group 1 at the "24th Governor's Cup Civil Servants Soccer Tournament" held at Muan Public Stadium from the 14th to the 15th.

According to the city on the 17th, a total of 21 teams participated in this tournament, including Jeonnam Provincial Office and 20 cities and counties.

Mayor Yoon Byung-tae is encouraging the players of the Naju City Hall Football Club team, who recently won first place in Group 1 at the 24th Jeonnam Governor's Cup Civil Servants Football Tournament, and is taking a commemorative photo with them.
[Photo by Naju City]

The matches were divided into three groups of seven teams each, with preliminary rounds consisting of two games per team. Based on the results, teams advanced to the knockout stage, including semifinals and finals.

The city team was placed in Group 1 along with the Provincial Office, Suncheon, Gangjin, Sinan, and Wando.

On the 14th, Naju City played its first match against Suncheon City and suffered a 0-6 defeat. However, in the second match against Yeonggwang County, last year’s champion, they turned the tide with a 5-1 victory, advancing to the semifinals with one win and one loss (2nd place).

On the 15th, Naju City faced Gangjin County in the semifinals and scored four goals, securing a 4-1 win and a ticket to the final.

In the much-anticipated final, they met Suncheon City again. Both teams exchanged one goal each, ending the match 1-1 after regular time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Naju City triumphed with a thrilling 5-4 score, avenging their preliminary round loss and lifting the championship trophy.

The Naju City Hall Soccer Club (President Yang Cheolsu) currently has about 50 public officials playing as team members.

In this tournament, Hwang Gwangmin, Vice Chairman of the Naju City Council, and Park Sojun, Chair of the Economic and Industrial Committee, also contributed on the field, helping achieve the first championship in 19 years.

President Yang Cheolsu (Head of Naju City Environmental Management Division) said, “I am grateful for the passion of senior and junior colleagues and fellow public officials who played hard and cheered on the field. I am pleased to share the news of our victory with the local community and fellow public officials.”

Mayor Yoon Byungtae, who received the championship flag and trophy that day, extended congratulations and encouragement for the meaningful performance of the City Hall Soccer Club team.

Mayor Yoon said, “I offer my thanks and congratulations to the members of the City Hall Soccer Club who have revitalized not only the public service community but also the region through this championship. We will continue to promote various workplace clubs, not just soccer, to foster a healthy workplace culture.”

Naju = Kim Yukbong, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr