Volume One: Our Own League 130: The School Team Tryouts Officially Begin

Although he had questions in his heart, Xu He was well-versed in the rules and immediately followed Li Jie to join the rest of the first-year students. They would be evaluated together, while the second and third-year seniors were led to the opposite side of the playground for their own assessments.

It was only then that Xu He noticed the playground had been divided into three distinct zones, each set up with essentially identical equipment. It seemed the evaluation content was standard across the board, with no special variations.

Upon arriving at the designated area for the first-year students, Xu He looked around. The first-year group had the highest number of applicants, followed by the second years, with the third years having the fewest. A quick glance suggested there were only about ten seniors from the third year—not even enough to average one person per class. It was no surprise; the third-year students were focused entirely on their studies, preparing for the all-important high school entrance exams, and had little time for soccer. Those who did show up were likely the school's sports talents. Their skin was noticeably darker than the others, and they possessed a sturdier, more developed physique.

The number of second-year applicants seemed to be around twenty or thirty. While that sounded like a lot, it averaged out to fewer than two students per class, which was quite low. It was clear that the soccer culture at Jingguancheng No. 17 Middle School was not particularly strong in the second grade.

Conversely, the first grade had the most vibrant soccer culture in the school. Many students loved the sport, played frequently, and had even organized their own soccer league with high participation. Today, the number of first-year students signing up for the school team tryouts was massive; looking out at the sea of heads, Xu He couldn't even estimate the total, but it was certainly more than those who participated in their league. It appeared that not everyone who loved soccer had joined the league, meaning the league was bound to grow even larger in the future.

Xu He felt a surge of excitement and joy. It seemed the school team had potential, and perhaps they could eventually shine in the national tournament.

However, Yangtong Mingxiong, watching from the stands, wore a deep frown, clearly dissatisfied. He had expected the second-year students to form the core of the applicants. Even if there were fewer than the first-years, he hadn't expected such a stark disparity. He turned to Principal Wang, his eyes questioning the situation.

Principal Wang explained, "The soccer culture is strongest in the first grade. Our student-organized league was entirely their initiative, and there are many talented young players among them."

Hearing this, Yangtong Mingxiong felt slightly better, knowing the principal hadn't deceived him. Yet, he remained uneasy and concerned about the future. He had envisioned a team built primarily on a framework of second-year students, supplemented by a few third-years and the most gifted first-years, which would ensure competitiveness. After all, the physical gap between second and first-year students was significant. First-years still looked like children, while second-years were hitting their growth spurts, appearing closer to high schoolers. With such a physical disparity, how could a team of first-years compete against other schools' second-year squads? They would struggle to even make it out of the city, let alone reach the national tournament.

Disappointment lingered in his mind. Sensing this, Principal Wang quickly added, "Coach Yangtong, let's observe the students' strength and potential first. I believe you will change your mind. Coaches Song Yu and Zheng Xiao also spoke highly of several first-year students, believing they are the key to us reaching the national tournament."

Yangtong Mingxiong felt a bit comforted, though he remained skeptical. "If we truly rely on a first-year framework, we won't reach the national tournament this year. We must invest time in training them, letting them mature before we can truly challenge for a spot." He hadn't given up, but he realized the goal had to be adjusted to a long-term one. He figured he could spend a year or two molding this group, bringing in more sports talents in the coming years to build a truly competitive team.

Principal Wang nodded, understanding that building a successful team was not an overnight endeavor, especially for an ordinary middle school. Seeing the principal’s agreement, Yangtong Mingxiong was satisfied; it confirmed that the principal would keep his word and leave the team's affairs entirely to him.

"Very well," Yangtong Mingxiong said. "I shall begin the assessment now."

He gathered his assistants and the school's physical education teachers. "We will proceed according to our planned groups. Be patient and give these children plenty of opportunities. They have never undergone professional training, so keep that in mind."

The assistants and teachers nodded in unison, and the team split into three groups, heading toward the respective grade levels. It was evident they were well-prepared.

Xu He watched with immense excitement. His dream was to pass the tryouts and make the team. He saw a man in his forties, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a tracksuit, carrying a folder, approach the first-year group. It seemed he would be their lead examiner. Coach Yangtong Mingxiong went to the second-year group, which disappointed Xu He, as he felt the first-year group was the most talented. Another assistant took the third-year group, which would be the quickest to finish.

The assistant in charge of the first years, Xu Dongsheng, frowned at the large crowd, realizing the workload would be immense. He clapped his hands to quiet the students and introduced himself. "I am Coach Yangtong's assistant, Xu Dongsheng. I will be in charge of your assessment today."

After the students welcomed him, Xu Dongsheng cut straight to the chase. "We are short on time, so let's begin. We will start with non-ball physical tests. We'll go by class order. First-year, Class 1, step forward!"

Xu He was disappointed to be in Class 11, wondering how long they would have to wait. He feared he would be exhausted just from standing around before his turn even came.

"Those waiting, please sit on the sidelines, but do not leave the playground," Xu Dongsheng instructed. "Anyone who leaves will be considered to have forfeited."

Xu He, who had hoped to find Mu Yang and ask why he had quit the tryouts, realized he couldn't leave. He joined his teammates and sat down. "Captain," Xu He asked Zhuge, "why did Mu Yang quit?"

Zhuge frowned. "I have no idea."

Xu He sighed and turned his attention to the testing area. He watched as students were put through 100-meter sprints, 30-meter shuttle runs, and agility jumps. Xu He, Li Jie, and the others from the Class 10 team were shocked. These were the exact same non-ball training drills Mu Yang had been leading them through. How could Mu Yang have known the content in advance?

Xu He wondered to himself, "Mu Yang must have encountered this before. Does he know Coach Yangtong? Perhaps there is some history between them?"