ZJU inaugurates first Campus Super League

In early April, Zhejiang University (ZJU) officially kicked off its inaugural Campus Super League (CSL) football tournament. Declared open by ZJU President MA Yanming amid cheers from students and faculty, the highly anticipated event marks a new chapter in the university's vibrant sporting culture.

Centered around the philosophy that everyone can play and everyone is a protagonist, the CSL breaks traditional boundaries of age and gender. It introduces innovative, fast-paced 3v3 formats—including small circular pitches and no-goalkeeper rules—alongside diverse categories such as dormitory-based and free-form teams. This inclusive approach aims to integrate sports seamlessly into daily campus life and uphold ZJU’s long-standing tradition of fostering physical health and well-rounded development.

The inclusive nature of the tournament has drawn enthusiastic participation across the university's diverse community. The 3v3 format is refreshing. The smaller teams and faster pace make the competition intense and highly engaging, noted MA Su, an international student from the School of Medicine.

The league is also breaking new ground for women's sports on campus. WANG Zihan, a student from the Guanghua Law School, emphasized the league's empowering role: The CSL provides more opportunities for women to experience football, and I look forward to seeing more female students showcasing their vitality on the pitch.

Beyond the student body, the tournament serves as a dynamic bridge for the wider ZJU community. LI Ming, an alumnus in polymer science, views the event as a heartfelt reunion with his alma mater and old friends. Meanwhile, GU Dongjian, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Faculty and Staff Football Association, encouraged researchers, educators, and administrators to step out of their busy schedules and embrace the joy of sports alongside the students.

Beyond the scoreboard, the ZJU Campus Super League is a celebration of shared passion and community synergy. By creating an accessible arena where every participant can be the protagonist of their own story, ZJU continues to cultivate a dynamic, healthy, and united campus environment.
Adapted and translated from the article written by WANG Yuxuan and JU Xincheng
Translator: JIANG Chenqi ('27, Structural Engineering)
Photo: ZHANG Jiazhen
Editor: JIANG Chenqi ('27, Structural Engineering), HAN Xiao