With the new year,

GTIIT football team 

delivered exciting news—

the team won the third prize in 

the Men's Group B of 

Guangdong Governor's Cup

Youth Campus Football 

League Finals.

This is the best result 

in the team's history,

and GTIIT's first-ever victory 

in a provincial-level 

men's sports competition!

From losing all three matches

in the 2023 Governor's Cup

to stepping onto the podium,

this team, forged with sweat,

exemplifies the GTIIT spirit of 

"Dream it. Do it."

Challenges Ahead

From the moment they signed up for the competition, the team faced significant challenges: their top scorer was unable to participate due to injury; several players trained while carrying injuries; during the competition, team members had to travel between the Guangzhou venue and campus, balancing lab sessions and midterm exams; and the intense early-morning matches coupled with cold weather posed both a test of willpower and physical endurance.

Training at 6 a.m.

Faced with these difficulties, they decided to respond with more rigorous preparation. In addition to actively recruiting first-year students to strengthen the team, the squad embarked on nearly two months of intensive high-intensity training and friendly matches starting from the preparatory semester. They also defeated strong local rivals in multiple practice games, building momentum for their breakthrough in the competition.

Friendly match against STU

"One month before the competition, we trained four times a week; one week before it, we often got up at 6 a.m., braving the cold wind to implement high-pressing tactics and adapt to the coming battles that were all arranged at 8:30 a.m. " recalled senior captain Duan Xinze. "After training, we immediately returned to classes, ensuring that football and academics were balanced. In the end, all participating players met the GPA requirements set by our school, and the team was cleared to compete."

The team's pre-match photo

Hard-Fought Battles

GTIIT faced Guangzhou Nanfang College in their first match. Despite trailing 1-0, the team fought relentlessly, equalizing in the second half and forcing the game into a penalty shootout. With several teammates cramping up, the team narrowly lost to their opponent.

In the second match against the formidable Shantou University, they had to field a depleted lineup due to the absence of several key players. Despite falling behind early, they mounted an impressive offensive effort, though they ultimately lost 1-3.

at the game

In the must-win third match, the team needed a victory to keep their hopes alive. Captain Duan Xinze and Yue Zhang scored crucial goals, while the entire team defended solidly, securing a 2-0 victory over the seeded team Guangzhou Huashang College, earning all three points. This win marked GTIIT's first-ever victory in the Governor's Cup.

The starting lineup for the third match

Playing through injuries, staging comebacks, and uniting for victory—through three intense matches, GTIIT football team embodied the sporting spirit of mutual support and never giving up. Though they were ultimately eliminated due to a lower group ranking, they gained unity and growth which is more valuable than victory.

"Most teams are selected from tens of thousands of students, while our entire student population is smaller than a single grade at other universities. Despite academic pressures and harsh weather, all of us, with a passion for football, persevered on the field. From being completely outmatched two years ago to now holding our own against strong opponents, " said Yue Zhang, the football club president and a junior team member. "every player gave their all.”

This experience has instilled in him greater discipline and growth. “Every drop of sweat and tear shed on the field is meaningful. The fighting spirit and teamwork we displayed will also drive us forward in our academic pursuits.”

Beyond academics,

GTIIT campus, 

with its abundant sports facilities, 

buzzes with energy.

Whether on the football field, 

the rugby pitch, 

or the track and field,

every player competes with 

relentless determination.

Here, the spirit of sportsmanship 

resonates with scientific exploration,

nurturing every student to 

excel on ever-wider stages.

Text: Yue Zhang, GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos/Video: provided by Yue Zhang, Cui Senmiao