Qingdao University opens its first alumni cup football tournament
University and alumni association leaders attended the opening ceremony to mark the start of the tournament, which runs on Sundays from October 11 to November 8.
Shifting Alumni Ties Through Sport
Liu Enhxian, standing committee member of the university party committee and vice president, spoke at the opening ceremony and welcomed returning alumni. He noted that the university established the alumni football association in May to build a platform for sports and networking, shifting the connection between alumni and the university from emotional attachment to active engagement. The tournament serves as both a major public introduction for the association and a reunion for graduates.
Sixteen Teams Compete Under Nine-A-Side Match Rules
The competition features sixteen teams organized by their former graduation departments, with no limits on graduation years. The tournament divides the field into two brackets of eight teams each: the Shouzheng group and the Chuqi group, alongside a participating team composed of university faculty members. Matches utilize a nine-a-side format played across three periods, incorporating a six-goal mercy rule and a senior-player scoring bonus designed to balance competitive fairness with participation.
Building a Flagship Athletic Brand
Liu Wei, a class of ’96 Japanese language alumnus and president of the alumni football association, addressed the gathering, stating that the sixteen teams gathered at the campus to revisit their youth and demonstrate alumni unity. He stated that the association aims to establish the tournament as a regular, flagship athletic brand.
University Leaders Attend the Opening Match Kickoff
University leaders and guests moved to the center circle to kick off the opening match. Attendees included Wang Hairong, director of the cooperation and development office; Li Jianxin, party secretary of the law school and honorary president of the faculty football association; Lang Xiaohui, party secretary of the sports college; and Fang Qun, dean of the sports college and president of the faculty football association. Other officials present included Zhang Chuanli, deputy director of the cooperation and development office; Li Jian, head coach of the alumni football team; Song Wei, executive secretary of the Shanghai alumni association and a class of ’95 dyeing and finishing alumnus; and Zhan Peixin, a partner and sponsor representative from Yuanfang Haowu.
Match play continues through November 8.
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