Students at Chahe Primary School in Rudong, Nantong play football. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

In the widely watched Jiangsu Football City League, several standout players hail from Rudong county — specifically from a small rural school with a big football dream. Huang Jiangdaya, Ji Sangnan, and Zhao Dongxu, who play for the Nantong team, and Meng Zhen of the Nanjing team, all share the same alma mater: Chahe Primary School.

Chahe Primary School, a century-old institution, has been integrating football into its core curriculum since 2010. The school ensures every class has at least one football session per week, making the sport a regular and accessible part of student life.

According to Principal Lou Congrong, the school's PE team has developed and iterated a school-wide football routine three times over the years — evolving from simple drills to complex combinations of foundational football skills. "Our goal is to ensure every student participates in football training and gains basic skills through an engaging and inclusive approach," Lou explained.

The school has also published two football textbooks to standardize and enhance football instruction, and it regularly holds a football culture festival to increase enthusiasm and awareness of the sport.

The school boasts a large sports field, a cage-style pitch, and a mini football field, sufficient to meet training needs. The school also encourages real-game experience by sending its team to compete in local and regional matches each year.