Bai Nian Ming Xiao Cup | Nanning Taohuayuan Primary School: A Journey to the Finals

Reporter Chen Yong reports For those unfamiliar with Nanning, the name Xixiangtang may seem like a small town's name, yet it is actually a key urban area in Nanning. For those who are not well-acquainted with Guangxi football, Taohuayuan Primary School in Xixiangtang District does not appear to be a traditional football powerhouse. However, during the second Bai Nian Ming Xiao Football Elite Exchange Tournament (hereafter referred to as the "Bai Nian Ming Xiao Cup"), Taohuayuan Primary School made a stunning entry into the finals, allowing us to re-evaluate Nanning football and Guangxi campus football.

On the morning of July 22, the first match after the Bai Nian Ming Xiao Cup opening ceremony saw Taohuayuan Primary School face Hefei Normal University Affiliated Primary School No. 2, where Taohuayuan performed excellently, winning 3-0. Surprisingly, instead of returning to their dormitory after the victory, Taohuayuan Primary School began running laps; during the first lap, the children who had just finished playing were not very focused, prompting head coach Lin Kai to lead them in running during the second lap.

After achieving three consecutive victories on the morning of the 24th, Taohuayuan Primary School returned to the stadium in the afternoon, where Lin Kai arranged a relay race. The 16 players were divided into four teams for three 4×400 meter relay races, followed by three 4×200 meter relay races (half-lap). During the running, Mo Wenhao, Wei Qi, and Huang Ziyang showcased impressive speed and stamina.

What’s even more astonishing is that on the morning of the 26th, just before the semifinals in the afternoon, Taohuayuan Primary School began extra training, leaving many puzzled about why they were practicing when they had a match later. This additional training lasted until nearly noon. With such dedication, Taohuayuan has shown a strong performance in this year’s "Bai Nian Ming Xiao Cup," achieving three consecutive wins in the group stage, a 4-1 victory in the quarterfinals, and a 3-0 win in the semifinals, demonstrating the team's strength through multiple large-margin victories.

In fact, what impresses people most about Taohuayuan Primary School is its well-structured campus football system: the school has nine teams, with two boys' teams and one girls' team in the U12, U10, and U8 age groups; all students participate in class leagues, with the stipulation that “the lineups for the first and second half must be completely different,” ensuring every child’s involvement; Taohuayuan has set corresponding standards for the three age groups, progressively aligning interest, skills, and tactics with the development of football.

The cultivation of comprehensive qualities is a tradition at Taohuayuan Primary School. For instance, goalkeeper Du Minkun is a district-level model student, and forward Huang Ziyang is part of the school's national flag team, with many players excelling both academically and in sports.

Huang Ziyang is one of the most watched players in this year's "Bai Nian Ming Xiao Cup," along with his teammates Wei Qi and Huang Yuanjun. In the goal-scoring chart, Wei Qi (number 17, left in the image) scored 9 goals, Huang Ziyang (number 7, center in the image) scored 6 goals, and Huang Yuanjun (number 10, right in the image) scored 5 goals.

Huang Yuanjun, who will be in the sixth grade after the summer vacation, has shown considerable football talent.

Additionally, players like Qin Qian'en and Du Yicheng from Zheng Shanglu Primary School and Su Xinlong from Xiamen Renmin Primary School have also left a strong impression. Qin Qian'en currently leads with 12 goals and will also be in the sixth grade after the summer; midfielder Du Yicheng, who will be in the fifth grade after the summer, displays the demeanor of a great player.

Huang Ziyang possesses highly refined footwork, and his array of feints has left a lasting impression in the primary school category. Having graduated from primary school, Huang Ziyang is awaiting his junior high school placement; in the meantime, he has undergone trials in Chongqing, and schools in Nanning are also vying for his choice.

“My dream is still to become a professional player, rather than just a football specialist,” Huang Ziyang told reporters. In fact, among the players participating in this Bai Nian Ming Xiao Cup, several have attracted the attention of professional clubs. Qin Qian'en had previously received an invitation but has yet to graduate from primary school and will continue playing and studying at Zheng Shanglu Primary School for now.

Zheng Shanglu Primary School has a slightly younger average age, but they are the team with the most solid skills and fluid tactics in this year's "Bai Nian Ming Xiao Cup." Their smooth passing and receiving have garnered them high praise, and almost all of their matches have received accolades. On the 27th, the final of the second "Bai Nian Ming Xiao Cup" will take place between Taohuayuan Primary School and Zheng Shanglu Primary School.