Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 125: The School Soccer Team Trials Finally Arrive

Jingguan City No. 17 Middle School, Principal’s Office.

Principal Wang sat behind his desk, clearly in high spirits today, a smile lingering warmly on his face.

At last, the matter that had long troubled him was about to be resolved.

The position of head coach for the Jingguan City No. 17 Middle School soccer team was finally within reach of a satisfactory solution.

Sitting right before him was the candidate he favored most.

Principal Wang’s face was alight with satisfaction as he gazed at the man across from him.

The man appeared somewhat aged, his hair tinged with gray, his face marked by slight frowns and dry wrinkles, suggesting he was in his forties or fifties.

Yet, his demeanor exuded a youthful spirit.

His hairstyle was strikingly avant-garde and fashionable, seemingly not just keeping pace with the latest trends but surpassing them.

The sides and back of his head were shaved close, leaving only a fine stubble.

The hair atop his head was a bit longer, tied at the nape into a small braid resembling a samurai’s knot.

Framing his forehead were two small clusters of long strands—let’s call them bangs—though they were essentially just longer tufts of hair.

This hairstyle was undeniably cool and aloof, cutting-edge and trendy.

It radiated a strong artistic flair.

His eyes were narrow and sharp, with a somewhat cold gaze, enhancing his aura of aloofness.

He wore a sleek, black, Korean-style slim-fit blazer, which gave him a stern and rigid appearance, even intensifying his cold, unapproachable vibe.

His entire presence was one of refined detachment, and this ensemble suited him perfectly.

He was a man of unmistakable character.

Seeing this strikingly aloof yet distinguished gentleman, Principal Wang was filled with satisfaction.

Of course, it wasn’t the outfit alone that pleased him, but the man himself—or rather, his impressive résumé.

This man was no ordinary figure.

Though he might not exactly be ancient, considering his graying hair and somewhat weathered face, for convenience, Principal Wang thought of him as an elder.

His name was Yang Tong Mingxiong, a native of Liao Yang Liancheng, a former national footballer who represented China’s men’s team in the Asian Games, the Asian Cup, World Cup qualifiers, and the Olympics.

After retiring, he coached the Liancheng Club, Yunhai Athletic Club, the national youth team, and even the senior national team.

He once led a team to win the Chinese professional league championship.

His résumé was dazzling, easily eclipsing those of Song Yu and Zheng Xiao.

Yet, for reasons unknown, Yang’s career had faltered.

After being dismissed from his role as head coach of the Chinese men’s national team, his coaching trajectory plummeted from the pinnacle to obscurity, with years passing without any news.

Rumor had it that recently, he served as head coach of the U13 squad for the Jingguan City Red Bull Club in the Chinese League One.

Not long ago, he left that position and was currently unemployed.

Otherwise, Principal Wang would never have had the chance to meet such a former big shot.

After all, even a dying camel is bigger than a horse.

Though he no longer commanded the heights he once did in the Chinese Super League or the national team, serving only as a low-profile coach for a youth squad in League One was still not a position just anyone could claim.

Seeing this man, Principal Wang was extremely pleased.

Immediately, Principal Wang said, “It’s truly a great fortune to meet you here. It seems fate has brought us together!”

Yang Tong Mingxiong maintained his aloof demeanor, responding淡淡地, “Principal Wang, you flatter me.”

Wang quickly waved his hand, “Not at all! Your standing in the football world is extremely high. Having you come to our school truly brings honor to us.”

Yang’s expression remained unchanged as he replied, “You overpraise.”

Wang fixed his eyes on Yang and said, “Not at all. You’re genuinely formidable. Teacher Chai Kun has given me a detailed introduction about you. You’re a veteran in the football world with great capability!”

This was the candidate Teacher Chai Kun had painstakingly found and recommended.

At this, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Yang’s mouth, a hint of pride gleaming through.

Yet, he feigned modesty, “Teacher Chai Kun is too kind.”

Wang said, “No, that’s the truth! I have full confidence in your skills. I believe Teacher Chai Kun has already told you the purpose of my invitation, correct?”

Wang was eager to seal the deal immediately.

This man was his top choice.

Look at him: the perfect age, mature and steady, calm and reserved, with rich experience and a brilliant track record—undoubtedly the best candidate currently, far surpassing Song Yu and Zheng Xiao.

If he led their school team, they would surely shine brilliantly in national competitions.

Yang nodded slightly, “Yes, I understand.”

Wang cautiously asked, “Then, Elder Yang, what are your thoughts?”

Though Wang was older and held a somewhat higher social standing, he still approached Yang with deference, for he truly needed him.

This humility naturally showed great respect to Yang.

Yang, a seasoned veteran, sensed Wang’s sincerity.

Despite his cold exterior, he was touched inwardly.

Wang was genuinely committed to campus football—a good principal indeed.

Yang did not answer directly but instead posed a question, “I have a few questions for you, Principal Wang.”

Wang was momentarily taken aback before recovering, “Please, ask away.”

Yang said frankly, “If I take over your school team, will I have sole authority over all team matters?”

Wang thought to himself, “I expected something else, but this is understandable.”

It seemed Yang feared interference from school outsiders, which could cause conflict.

Wang immediately said, “You need not worry. Once you join, all competitive decisions will be yours alone. The team is yours to manage; we won’t have amateurs directing professionals. You can rest assured—I guarantee it.”

Yang nodded slightly, evidently pleased.

He continued, “And what about your expectations for the team’s results? Or for the players’ development?”

Wang’s heart leapt; Yang’s words showed clear interest.

He said quickly, “We don’t have extremely high demands or undue pressure. I only hope that within two years, we can qualify for national competitions; within three years, make a striking impression there; and within five years, become a core force nationally.”

Wang’s ambition was unmistakable.

Upon hearing this, Yang frowned.

To be honest, the task was daunting.

After all, Jingguan City No. 17 Middle School was an ordinary school without many promising talents.

Though the national competitions didn’t see much participation from professional academies, some did exist, making it very difficult for this school to advance.

Yang was conflicted; the expectations were high.

Noticing Yang’s hesitation, Wang quickly added, “Elder Yang, don’t worry. Though our school is ordinary, we do have some players with considerable talent.”

Yang’s eyes brightened as he asked, “Does your school recruit special football students?”

Wang smiled wryly, shaking his head, “Not currently, but we can start next year. You know our school still holds some appeal in Jingguan City, so recruiting football talents won’t be a problem!”

Yang was familiar with Jingguan City No. 17 Middle School and understood its influence; it was indeed a good school for students, and recruiting a few football pros was feasible—but that wouldn’t solve the immediate issue.

He pressed, “Then what did you mean by your earlier remark?”

Wang replied promptly, “Previously, Coach Song Yu, former coach of the national youth team, visited our school and watched the first-year football league. He spotted a few promising players. His junior, Zheng Xiao, also visited and attested to our talents. So I believe our school is stronger than other ordinary schools.”

Yang’s eyes sharpened, and he murmured, “I see.”

Though he looked down on Song Yu somewhat, he acknowledged his keen eye and capability.

If Song Yu vouched for these players, perhaps Jingguan No. 17 really had a couple of prospects.

If so, leading an ordinary school into national competitions and making a splash could restore Yang’s prominence and perhaps revive his career.

This was a golden opportunity.

Yang asked, “You mentioned a first-year football league? Has your school regularly held such tournaments?”

Wang smiled wryly, shaking his head, “No, this first-year league was organized spontaneously by the students themselves and has just completed its inaugural season with great success. It revealed their passion for football and motivated me to support campus football development.”

Yang’s eyes narrowed with interest—this was unexpected.

He hadn’t anticipated that a group of thirteen-year-olds could organize such a successful league.

These kids were clearly passionate about football.

It seemed Jingguan No. 17 was truly different from other schools.

He said, “In that case, I’m quite eager to see how your school team performs.”

Wang’s heart leapt, “So, Coach Yang, do you agree to coach our school team?”

Yang nodded slightly, “I am very interested in coaching your team.”

Wang rejoiced and immediately began discussing details with Yang.

Both seemed eager to finalize the agreement quickly, and soon a contract was signed.

From today onward, Yang Tong Mingxiong was the head coach of Jingguan City No. 17 Middle School’s soccer team.

The first action Yang took as head coach was to initiate the school team’s selection process.

That very day, Principal Wang announced over the school loudspeakers, “Attention all students! I hereby announce an important matter. This Friday afternoon, Jingguan City No. 17 Middle School will officially commence tryouts for the soccer school team. I encourage all students to participate enthusiastically, contribute to our school team, advance campus football in China, and support the future of Chinese football!”

Upon hearing this, Xu He was overjoyed—finally, the school team tryouts were coming!