CUFL (China University Football League) was founded in 2000, sponsored by China University Sports Association and China Football Association, and assisted by the education departments (education committees) of all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government, university (student) sports associations and football branch of China University Sports Association. This tournament is the football league with the widest participation, the highest competitive level and the greatest influence in China, and it is also the only national 1 1 college football league officially recognized by China University Sports Association.