On May 12, the Nanjing team of the Jiangsu Super League held an open training session on Jiangxin Island, drawing nearly 100 local residents to watch. The session was fully open to the public, allowing fans and citizens to observe the team’s routine up close. The players conducted basic fitness drills, warm-up stretches, and passing exercises. After the warm-up, the team played a friendly match against children from the Nanjing Xincheng Primary School football team. The young players were divided and integrated into the Nanjing squad for a competitive scrimmage. Notably, Xincheng Primary School is the alma mater of Nanjing team goalkeeper Wang Yifan, who led the school’s team to win the provincial Governor’s Cup in 2018 after five penalty shootouts, earning him widespread recognition. Now, the Nanjing players are planting a seed of football passion in the hearts of these children.
Nanjing team captain Ge Wei said such activities are especially effective in sparking children’s interest in football. “I believe that because of the Jiangsu Super League, more kids will fall in love with football, and their parents will be more supportive of them playing,” he said. In addition to being a player for Nanjing, Ge Wei also serves as a coach for Nanjing’s youth football team. During the interaction, several players from his youth team were present. “When we train, the coaching staff always interacts with the players. Rather than just telling them how to play, it’s better to demonstrate by joining in, so they can understand better,” he added.
Currently mid-season in the Jiangsu Super League, Ge Wei balances playing and coaching without neglecting either. After Nanjing’s away match against Nantong last week, Ge Wei rushed back from Nantong overnight to avoid missing the next day’s youth team training. “I’ve gradually gotten used to it, and working with kids is not really tough,” he said. “Since last year, the kids’ training schedule hasn’t overlapped with the Super League’s, so I complete the youth training first every day before heading to the Super League training.”
Speaking about the Jiangsu Super
