Centennial Elite Schools Cup: What Gives Nanjing No.13 High School Its Football DNA and Unyielding Spirit?

From Zuo Rui in Qingdao The third "Centennial Elite Schools Cup" high school division is nearing its end. Making their debut in the event, Nanjing No.13 High School showed increasing resilience. On the 5th, they defeated the host Qingdao Kindergarten Teachers College 4-2 in the potential-group placement match. After the match, team leader Cao Chen stated that the quality of the tournament far exceeded expectations, adding, "Our performances have been better with every game."

With 24 years of teaching experience, Cao Chen has been the most dedicated guardian of Nanjing No.13 High School's football team since his very first day as a teacher. Beyond handling daily training, he serves as the bridge between the team, school leadership, and the outside world. From weekend local friendlies to summer tours both elsewhere in China and abroad, what he values most is the quality of matches and the value of cultural travel.

Nanjing No.13 High School team leader Cao Chen at work

Cao Chen, who majored in football at university and has remained committed to campus football ever since, believes that high-quality fixtures and intense physical contests are the only way for school players to sharpen their real-game abilities. "A schedule of six matches in seven days is very appropriate and also tests the players' fitness and determination," he said. He also pointed out that during the single rest day, the team can go on nearby study tours and broaden their horizons.

In his view, there are no weak sides in the "Centennial Elite Schools Cup." The four Qingdao teams with different backgrounds, plus schools from Chongqing and Hefei, are all extremely strong opponents. Although their first appearance brought more losses than wins and they failed to advance to the Glory Group from the group stage, Cao Chen believes that if they only stayed in Nanjing, they would rarely encounter "chances to play matches at a comparable intensity" or be able to identify weaknesses and improve through competition.

Apart from being kept scoreless in the opening group match, Nanjing No.13 found the net in every subsequent game and quickly corrected mistakes to stay competitive. On the 5th, they recorded their second victory of the tournament in the potential-group placement match. Whatever happens in their final contest on the 6th, they are sure to return home with rich rewards. "This trip to Qingdao has been very fruitful. We will definitely come back if we get another chance," Cao Chen said.

As one of Nanjing's six most prestigious secondary schools, Nanjing No.13 High School not only ranks among the top for college entrance examination advancement, but also possesses a distinctive football tradition. From the early model of the municipal team run by the school, to the comprehensive promotion of campus football, and later to recruiting high-level football players, the school has been a trailblazer in local campus football. In recent years, more and more students have been admitted to elite universities through their football expertise.

Many former members of Jiangsu Sainty and Nanjing Youyou clubs, as well as current coaches and players in the Jiangsu Super League, are alumni of Nanjing No.13 High School. The school's dual reputation for academic excellence and football development has earned it solid feeder support from junior-high and primary schools in Xuanwu District. With its rich, well-grounded football programs, the school now ranks first in the city's campus-football evaluations.

Cao Chen believes their enthusiasm for tough challenges stems not only from the heavy emphasis on practical performance in the specialized football admissions exams, but even more from the fact that "the players love to compete." Last summer, the school team went to Japan on an exchange, training and playing against Sakuyo High School, a top-15 side in Japan’s high-school league. This summer, they joined the "Centennial Elite Schools Cup" for the first time and fought hard against many strong teams in Qingdao.

"The games we lost in Qingdao were not blowouts. We could identify our own problems from those matches, and the students could grow quickly through defeat. I think that's great," Cao Chen said. He added that the team’s near-term goal is to win the Xuanwu District championship in September, and they aim to reach the final of the Mayor's Cup. "The 'Centennial Elite Schools Cup' has boosted our strength and confidence."