Schools
Zhiyun School of Football
Vision & Collaboration
Established through an innovative government-university-club tripartite model, the Zhiyun School of Football is a joint initiative by Nantong University, the Nantong Municipal Government, and Nantong Zhiyun Football Club. Founded in 2016 alongside the club’s establishment, it represents a pioneering platform for cultivating professional football talent in China.
Academic Structure
Research Centers:
Football Culture & Industry Research Center
Sports Psychology Intervention Center
Athletic Rehabilitation Research Center
Data Analytics Center
Interdisciplinary Integration:
Leverages doctoral programs in Sports Medicine and master’s programs in Sports Science and Economic Management to enhance academic depth.
Faculty & Innovation
Faculty: 43 full-time academics, including 5 professors, 19 associate professors, and 13 PhD holders.
Global Expertise: Recruits renowned domestic and international football coaches and scholars to blend practical training with academic rigor.
Management Reforms: Implements innovative policies in personnel, finance, and asset management to support coaches and athletes.
Educational Philosophy
Guided by the principle “Exceptional Mentors Nurture Exceptional Talents”, the school adopts a holistic development strategy:
Four-Pillar Cultivation: Character Development, Growth, Expertise Cultivation, and Career Success.
Integrated Training: Combines ideological education, cultural studies, football drills, and hands-on skills.
Achievements & Impact
Academic Excellence:
1 National First-Class Undergraduate Program.
Secured 12 national-level and 26 provincial/ministerial research grants.
Published 171 high-impact papers (CSSCI/SCI/SSCI) and 25 academic monographs.
Awarded 12 provincial/ministerial research prizes.
Competitive Success:
5th Place in China League One (Second Tier), 2021.
3rd Place in 2022, earning promotion to the Chinese Super League (CSL).
14th Place in 2023 CSL, securing top-tier retention.
Nantong Zhiyun FC Achievements:
Global Ambition
The school aims to become a globally recognized football education hub, fostering talents with international competitiveness while driving the integration of football industry practices and academic innovation.
For more information in Chinese, please visit our Chinese website:
