CHINA future – SIGN UP HERE
Your Future Is China
Dreaming of combining higher education with professional football opportunities? We’ve partnered with S-Future and Nantong University in China to offer fully-funded scholarships for talented high school football players like you!
Imagine earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree while enjoying free accommodation, meals, and a vibrant campus life—all at no cost, except for your own flight. Not only will you represent the prestigious Nantong University football team, but you’ll also have the opportunity to pursue your professional ambitions.
Through our structured pathways, you could join Nantong FC in Division 1, or secure spots with other clubs in Division 1, Division 2, or even the Chinese Super League!
We are your bridge to a brighter future in academics and football. Take the first step towards your ambitious future today!
Be Part of Something Bigger
When you join Nantong University, you’re not just enrolling in a university—you’re becoming part of a legacy of bridging China and the West. Whether you aim to excel academically, become a professional football player, or both, we’ll help you strive for the best.
nantong university
Why Choose Nantong University?
Nantong University is more than a place to study—it’s a community where ambitious students from around the world come to bridge cultures, excel in their education, and pursue their passions.
- Ranked among China’s top universities, Nantong University is committed to Bridging China and the West, Striving for the Best.
- Our motto is clear: “Learning Must Be Expected to Be Used, and the Use Must Be Suitable for Its Local Community.” This means every program is tailored to prepare you for real-world success.
- We value Beautiful Morality and Pure Science, fostering an environment where education and integrity go hand in hand.
A Life-Changing Campus Experience
Located in a thriving city, our campus is a hub of culture, innovation, and opportunity. You’ll live, study, and train alongside students from diverse backgrounds, creating lifelong connections and memories.
State-of-the-Art Sports Facilities
We’re building cutting-edge sports facilities that will rival the best in the region. As a student-athlete, you’ll have access to:
- Professional football fields, training areas, and modern equipment.
- High-performance spaces designed to help you reach your peak physical condition.
- Dedicated support from experienced coaches and mentors to guide your athletic journey.
A Unique Opportunity for Football Players
At Nantong University, we understand your dream of balancing world-class education with professional football. That’s why we offer:
- Full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, meals, and more.
- The chance to play for the prestigious Nantong University football team or advance to professional clubs like Nantong FC in Division 1, Division 2, or even the Chinese Super League.
- A strong network connecting you to China’s rapidly growing football scene.
nantong CITY
Discover Nantong: A City of Culture, Sports, and Football Excellence
Welcome to Nantong, a vibrant city where tradition meets innovation, offering the perfect environment for ambitious students and athletes to thrive. Known as the “Pearl of the Yangtze River”, Nantong is a city of opportunity, culture, and sporting excellence.
A City Steeped in Culture and History
Nantong is one of China’s most charming cities, boasting:
- Rich history and traditions: As one of the first cities in modern China to open its doors to the world, Nantong reflects a harmonious blend of East and West.
- Cultural landmarks: Explore iconic attractions like the Langshan Mountain, Nantong Museum, and Hao River Scenic Area, each telling the story of Nantong’s vibrant heritage.
- A thriving arts scene: The city is alive with festivals, traditional performances, and modern art exhibitions, celebrating both Chinese traditions and global influences.
Football Thrives in Nantong
Nantong’s football scene is growing rapidly, and it’s the perfect place to kick-start or elevate your football career!
Make Nantong Your Home!
Ready to experience life in a city that values culture, sports, and personal growth? Join us in Nantong and take the next step towards your future.
A Growing Hub for Sports Enthusiasts
Nantong is quickly becoming a premier destination for sports, with a special focus on football:
- World-class sports facilities: The city is investing heavily in sports infrastructure, including professional football stadiums, training centers, and recreational spaces.
- Nantong FC: Home to the renowned Nantong FC, the city has gained national recognition for its football achievements. The club is a gateway for aspiring players to showcase their skills at both national and international levels.
- A city that loves football: Football is more than just a sport in Nantong—it’s a passion that unites the community, from local school teams to professional leagues.
Live, Study, and Play in a Dynamic City
As a student or athlete in Nantong, you’ll experience a balanced lifestyle that combines:
- Modern conveniences: Enjoy the benefits of a rapidly developing city with excellent transportation, shopping, dining, and healthcare.
- Natural beauty: Relax in Nantong’s serene parks, riverside promenades, and coastal areas—perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
- A welcoming community: Known for its warm hospitality, Nantong embraces students and athletes from all over the world, fostering an inclusive and inspiring environment.
nantong ZHIYUN FC
Nantong Zhiyun FC and the Olympic Sports Center Stadium
Nantong is proud to be home to Nantong Zhiyun FC, one of China’s most exciting football clubs. Competing in Division 1 and known for their competitive spirit, Nantong Zhiyun FC is committed to developing talent and achieving excellence on the field.
The team plays at the iconic Nantong Olympic Sports Center Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue often referred to as Nantong FC Stadium. This world-class facility is not just a symbol of Nantong’s passion for football, but also a hub for professional matches, training, and major sports events. With a capacity of over 40,000 spectators, the stadium offers an electrifying atmosphere for fans and players alike.
Nantong University x Nantong Zhiyun FC
As a proud partner of Nantong University, Nantong Zhiyun FC works closely with the university to support and nurture young football talent. This partnership creates a seamless pathway for aspiring players to transition from university-level football to professional leagues.
Whether you dream of joining the team or playing at the Olympic Stadium, Nantong is the place to kick-start your football career.
SIGN UP SECTION
Sign Up Now!
Complete our digital application form BELOW to kickstart your Nantong University & Football journey for the study year starting in September 2025. The intake starts today, and all required fields must be filled out for your submission to be accepted. Please give the exact information as requested. Note: We explicitly need your contact information for any follow-up communication.
For more questions and details, please read the FAQ section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Whether you’re curious about our program, the application process, or life at Nantong University, this section covers everything you need to know.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us—we’re here to help. Send your message with your question to careers@evytal.com (please, questions only!)
Q: Are there any additional costs involved?
Q: When does the program start?
A: The academic year for the 2025 season begins in September 2025, but the intake process starts now!
To ensure a smooth transition, players should aim to be club-free by the summer of 2025, allowing them to begin a new chapter in China without any contractual obligations.
Don’t wait—submit your application today and secure your spot for this exciting opportunity!
Q: What are the requirements?
To be eligible, you must have completed high school, enabling you to study at the university. We’re looking for talented football players who are also ready to pursue academics.
If we believe you possess exceptional talent that qualifies you to join a professional academy or club immediately, we’ll create a customized plan tailored to your needs. This could include online studies—either a full degree program or select courses—to ensure your education progresses alongside your football career.
Just be always honest about your capabilities and preferences.
Q: What is this program about?
A: This program combines world-class education at Nantong University with professional football opportunities. It’s designed for talented players who want to pursue their football careers while earning a degree or receiving tailored support for professional development.
Q: Who is eligible for the program?
A: The program is designed for high school graduates who are talented football players, ready to study at a university in China while pursuing a professional football career under our guidance.
If you don’t meet the basic academic criteria but are undeniably exceptionally talented—with clear evidence such as being a national team starter, professional first-team player (making minutes), having significant media coverage, convincing video footage with available stats—we can make exceptions. In such cases, we can sign you with Evytal to arrange direct trials with clubs internationally, including in China, without the scholarship.
Let us know!
Q: Do I need to know Chinese to apply?
A: No, you don’t need to know Chinese. Nantong University offers English-taught programs, and we’ll help you adapt to life in China, including learning basic Chinese if needed.
Q: What opportunities will I have to play football?
A: You can join the Nantong University football team or be scouted for professional clubs like Nantong Zhiyun FC or other Division 1, Division 2, or even Super League clubs in China.
Q: What happens if I’m exceptionally talented but don’t want to study?
A: In exceptional cases, we can work out a customized plan to support your professional football career, even if you choose not to pursue (full) university studies.
Q: Can I train in professional facilities?
A: Yes! You’ll have access to top-notch training facilities from Nantong University, including those at the Nantong Olympic Sports Center Stadium, and will be guided by experienced coaches.
Q: What can I study at Nantong University?
A: Nantong University offers a wide range of degree programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees. You’ll have the flexibility to choose a field that aligns with your interests and ambitions beyond football.
Q: What if I need to study online while focusing on football?
A: We can arrange online study options, including full degrees or individual courses, so your education progresses alongside your football career.
Q: How do I apply for the program?
A: Simply fill out our online form and provide the necessary details, including your player CV, academic background, statistics, and video links. We will evaluate and categorize you icw our partner in China and Nantong University.
Q: What do you look for during the evaluation process?
A: We evaluate your football talent, academic background, ambition, and overall potential. Video highlights, full matches, and player stats are especially important.
Q: Are videos required? What if I don’t have any?
A: Yes, a proper highlight video is essential for us to scout and evaluate players effectively. Without one, we cannot proceed with the assessment at this time.
However, there are exceptions:
- Players featured on Wyscout due to national team representation.
- Players who provide additional compelling information that demonstrates their potential.
In the future, we may visit pitches, invite full teams over, or offer trial opportunities. If you fall into one of the exceptions, feel free to reach out with supporting details—we’re always open to discovering exceptional talent!
Q: How soon will I hear back after applying?
A: We aim to review applications quickly and will contact you within a few weeks of receiving your submission.
Q: What’s it like to live in Nantong?
A: Nantong is a vibrant city with a mix of modern amenities and rich cultural heritage. It offers a safe and welcoming environment for students and athletes alike.
Q: Is it easy to adjust to life in China?
A: Yes! We provide support to help you adapt, including language assistance, cultural orientation, and a supportive community of international students.
Q: How does Evytal earn from this?
A: We at Evytal Sports Management sign you as a player under our agency and officially represent you as a player in partnership with S-Future, our trusted partner agency in China.
On the recruitment side, if you don’t pursue a professional football career but secure a suitable job after completing your free education at Nantong University, we earn a commission for a determined period—typically the first three years.
Q: What if I already have an agent?
A: While we prefer working with players who do not have an existing agent—allowing us to onboard you more efficiently and without added complications—we are still open to collaborating with FIFA-licensed agents.
It’s important to note that, as of October 1, 2023, FIFA regulations require all football agents to be officially licensed under the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR). Non-licensed individuals, such as relationship managers, cannot legally fulfill player services.
To participate in our program and benefit from our partnerships with Nantong University and clubs in China, you’ll need to sign with us as your official agency for this pathway. If you already have a FIFA-licensed agent, we can work together under FIFA’s guidelines to ensure the best outcome for your career.
For players without agents, the process is faster and more streamlined, so feel free to contact us directly to get started!
Q: What is the Selection Procedure?
Q: What are the three steps of the Selection Procedure in more detail?
Candidates submit their online application, including a detailed player CV, academic background, and football statistics. Highlight videos (and full match recordings) are essential for evaluation.
Applications are screened to assess football talent and academic eligibility. Incomplete or insufficient applications will not proceed to the next phase.
Phase 2: Pre-Accepted
Candidates who pass the initial assessment move to this phase, where we dive deeper into their ambitions and study plans.
Talented players are classified based on their potential:
Talented Players: Eligible for full Bachelor’s or Master’s Programs.
Top Talents & Young Professionals: May qualify for flexible study options, such as Certified Courses or Hybrid Study (with online facilities), especially if contracted to professional clubs.
Required documents like diplomas, passport, and visa details are collected.
Candidates must confirm they can cover travel costs and personal expenses beyond what is provided for free (study, accommodation, meals).
Phase 3: Acceptance & Enrollment
Successful candidates receive final approval to join the program.
Candidates arrange travel and visas in preparation for the academic year starting in September 2025.
Upon arrival in China, they begin their journey of combining education with professional football development.
Q: Should I be club-free?
A: Applicants must be club-free before heading to China in September 2025. Don’t miss this chance—apply now!