Soccer: Where Competition Meets Connection
- From player to fan to mentor
Overview
Soccer has been a constant thread in my life
— not just a sport, but a way to understand teamwork, community, and leadership.
As a player, I learned resilience and cooperation on the field.
As a spectator, I felt the energy that unites strangers into one voice, making me have a sense of belonging.
As an assistant, I saw how important empathy and encouragement is for beginners to build confidence.
Playing
Growing Through Challenge
I fell in love with soccer in primary school, and later joined my school’s team in both junior and senior high. I still remember the early morning practices of my junior school training. Playing taught me how to stay composed when the game got intense, and how much teamwork matters when fatigue sets in. Whether celebrating a win or walking off after a loss, I’ve learned to respect the game.
Here are some records:
Watching
Feeling the Game, Feeling the World
As a native of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, I'm a fanatical fan of Zhejiang FC, which is also known as Gree Town. The first time I watched a game of the team can be traced back to my primary school, and I have watched the game consistently to this day.
When I watched the games, I feel a strong sense of belonging because thousands of fans are shouting together to support our home team - Gree Town. And our soul is always caring; it is clearly shown when our striker Boupendza died.
Here are some of records:
Assisting
Leadership begins with understanding.
When my school formed its first girls’ soccer team, I volunteered as an assistant coach. Most players were new, so instead of just giving directions, I focused on encouragement and explaining why each move mattered. Over time, they learned to think independently and play with confidence.
During their first inter-school match, they won the third.
Here are some records:
