Astana. Press conference on the start of the 2025 season of the Freedom QJ League. Photo: QJ League

The Freedom QJ League starts the new 2025 season in partnership with the official distributor of the Chinese brand Changan in Kazakhstan, which is part of Astana Motors. The conclusion of a strategic agreement was announced on March 31, 2025 at a press conference in Astana.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Freedom QJ League Timur Turlov, President of the Freedom QJ League Rokhus Shokh, and Deputy Director for Distribution at Changan Auto Kazakhstan Sergey Galkin.

The strategic partnership with the Freedom QJ League will create new opportunities for the growth and development of youth football in Kazakhstan, as the Changan distributor noted. This step will help support young talents, foster a new generation of football players, and provide unique sports experience for fans.

Deputy Director for Distribution at Changan Auto Kazakhstan Sergey Galkin. Photo: QJ League

“We are honored to be Premium Partners of this outstanding project on behalf of the Changan brand and Astana Motors. Football is not only a competition but also an opportunity for young people to demonstrate their abilities, learn to work in a team, and strive for new heights. Supporting initiatives such as the QJ League is an investment in the future of our country and our children. We hope to see many exciting games and new stars this season. Each participant of the QJ League is a step to building a healthy and active society,” said Sergey Galkin, Deputy Director for Distribution at Changan Auto Kazakhstan.

Changan, as an official partner, will be actively integrated into all key events of the Freedom QJ League, including the opening match, the closing ceremony of the season, football events in the regions, the QJ League all-star game, and charity initiatives. At the tournaments, fans will have the opportunity to test innovative cars for themselves.

Moreover, Changan will become a key partner of the League’s digital projects. In particular, the best player of the season will receive the brand’s exclusive prize, “Changan Most Valuable Player,” as a symbol of recognition of his talent and leadership on the football field. Also, a symbolic “Changan Team of the Week” will be named based on statistics and votes of fans. Challenges, interviews, and exclusive content with the participation of players and star guests will be arranged.

President of the Freedom QJ League Rokhus Shokh. Photo: QJ League

“I am very proud to welcome Changan as our new partner. This is an important story not only for the football industry. With the business supporting young people of Kazakhstan, the future of Kazakhstani football is a completely new era in sports marketing in our country. I realize that this is a great responsibility for the Freedom QJ League and for Changan. I am sure that we will be long-term partners and do our best to promote youth football here. I thank Changan for their trust. Obviously, private business comes to where everything works openly and systematically,” President of the Freedom QJ League Rokhus Shokh added.

The Freedom QJ League was established in 2023. That project was founded by the Kazakhstan Football Federation, which aims to create a sustainable football ecosystem in the country. Last year, the League won the MetaRatings Top Awards 2024 in the Best Sports Organization nomination.

The 3rd season is scheduled to start on April 19, 2025. Three new teams will join the League: KFF U-16, Khan-Tengri, and Zhenis. A total of 1620 young players from 54 teams will compete in the season, representing 18 regions of Kazakhstan. A girls’ tournament will be held for the first time. 542 matches will be played in total. The winners are entitled to represent Kazakhstan in the UEFA Youth League.

“Football is the most popular and widespread sport in our country. We believe that we have enough talents both among the organizers and football players to play beautiful, best football. There is no reason why we should not start winning the most prestigious competitions in the world. This requires truly long-term planning. A huge thank you to all the partners who are supporting us. I thank Astana Motors and the Changan brand for contributing to the development of children’s and youth sports this year. I believe that together we can make football in Kazakhstan really cool, professional, and competitive in Europe. We should join our efforts to make this journey together,” said Timur Turlov, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Freedom QJ League.

On August 23, 2025, the QJ League Team will play in Almaty against a team trained at one of the world’s top football academies – Atlético de Madrid. The Changan brand will also act as an official partner of the exciting match, providing unique sponsorship activities and exclusive content.

Astana. Press conference on the start of the 2025 season of the Freedom QJ League. Photo: QJ League

The Changan brand officially arrived in the Kazakhstan market in September 2022. The brand was among the top 10 successful brands in 2024 according to the Kazakhstan Automobile Union. Nine models from sedans to crossovers and pickups are now available in Kazakhstan. They can be purchased at 20 dealerships represented in 14 cities across the country. The distributor Changan Auto Kazakhstan plans to expand its network to 25 dealerships in 18 cities this year and to 30 by 2030. Starting in October 2025, the first model CS55 Plus from the Changan lineup will be produced at the multi-brand plant in Almaty.