From Novice to Champion: A Rapid Ascent

Buzheng Primary School of Haishu District, Gulin Town, achieved a remarkable feat on May 14th, clinching the championship at the five-day 2025 ZSFL Zhejiang Province Primary and Secondary School Campus Football League Finals. This triumph marks only the second time a Ningbo primary school has seized the title in the primary school men’s division of the Zhejiang Campus Football League, signaling a significant shift in the region’s youth football landscape.

Thier journey to the provincial stage began earlier this year when they secured their first-ever championship in the Ningbo Campus Football League’s men’s Group A competition. this victory was a historic moment for Haishu District, setting the stage for their ambitious run in the provincial tournament.

Triumph Over Adversity: The Championship Run

Navigating the provincial competition,the young athletes displayed composure and strategic prowess,securing the top spot in their group and advancing to the quarterfinals. Facing seasoned football powerhouses, Buzheng Primary School demonstrated unwavering determination, winning both the quarter-finals and semi-finals to earn a place in the ultimate showdown.

The final match was a nail-biting contest,with Buzheng Primary School ultimately prevailing with a score of 3:2. Their victory was attributed to their relentless perseverance and the coach’s well-devised counterattack tactics.

When the final whistle sounded and when I saw us win, my legs suddenly lost their strength and knelt directly on the grass. I couldn’t tell whether it was sweat or tears on my cheeks.I could only hear the roaring shouts like a tsunami up the stands.
Hou Zhishuo, Player, Class 603, Buzheng Primary School

Hou Zhishuo, a player from Class 603, vividly described the emotional impact of the victory, highlighting the culmination of months of rigorous training and unwavering dedication.

Building a Football Ecosystem: the Foundation of Success

Buzheng Primary School’s rise to prominence is rooted in a strategic and thorough approach to football education. Recognizing the potential of sports to enhance overall advancement, the school embarked on a journey to create a thriving football ecosystem.

In 2017, the school initiated its football program with limited resources. However, driven by a vision to establish a distinctive quality education brand, Buzheng Primary School invested in developing its football infrastructure and curriculum. This commitment culminated in the school being recognized as a “National Youth Campus Football Specialty School” in 2020, further bolstered by the construction of a five-person cage-making football stadium funded by the Haishu District Education Bureau.

The school’s ideology extends beyond training elite athletes. Instead, they aim to use football as a vehicle for holistic education. This vision translated into concrete actions, including the establishment of a dedicated leadership team, the integration of football into the school’s curriculum, and the provision of ample sports equipment.

A Holistic Approach: Integrating Football into School Life

Buzheng Primary School’s commitment to football extends beyond the field, permeating various aspects of school life. The school has implemented a structured “football ecosystem” with meticulously crafted documents outlining everything from skill evaluation standards to equipment maintenance procedures.

Each week,students participate in dedicated football classes and daily football activities. The school also organizes semester-long class leagues,fostering a sense of community and healthy competition. This comprehensive approach has transformed football into a defining characteristic of Buzheng Primary School.

Furthermore, every class from grades 1 to 6 has its own football team, complete with student-selected team names, slogans, and captains. This initiative cultivates leadership skills, teamwork, and a sense of ownership among the students.

Football has taught children the awareness of rules, team spirit and ability to resist frustration.
Xu Peiqin, Head Teacher

Head teacher Xu Peiqin emphasizes the invaluable life lessons that football imparts to students, including an understanding of rules, the importance of teamwork, and the ability to overcome challenges.

Beyond the Game: Cultivating a Football Culture

The impact of football at Buzheng Primary School extends far beyond the sports field. The school has successfully integrated football into various academic disciplines, creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment. Classrooms feature “World Cup” themed projects, mathematics lessons incorporate shooting angles, and Chinese classes explore the “football spirit” through essay contests.

This holistic approach has not only nurtured a passion for football but has also provided a platform for students to develop essential life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and dialog.

The school’s success serves as a model for other institutions seeking to leverage the power of sports to enhance education and empower students. By fostering a culture of teamwork, resilience, and holistic development, Buzheng Primary School is shaping the future leaders of tommorow.

The champion is not the end. We want to prove that as long as there is enough sunshine, every seed can grow freely. Let football affect children’s lives, perhaps this is the most authentic meaning of ‘campus football’.
Relevant Person in Charge, Buzheng Primary School

As stated by a representative of Buzheng Primary School, the school views this championship not as the final destination, but as a testament to their belief that with the right support and environment, every child can thrive. Their ultimate goal is to use football as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of their students.