Robbie Wang (Shang Wang), from Beijing, China, is a sophomore majoring in Biophysics, Class of 2028. He plays for the DKU Men’s Varsity Football Team and serves as the president of the Football Club.
“Even when the stadium lights go out, we keep going, shouting chants in unison. ”
Shang Wang, class of 2028
Q:What first drew you to football, and what keeps you playing?
I was first introduced to football by my dad when I was six. In his youth, he was the top scorer in the Beijing High School Football League and came very close to becoming a professional, but wasn’t selected because of his height—a regret that stayed with him. From then on, he hoped I could continue his dream, and that’s when I began training at Xuanwu Sports School.
Although I started because of him, it’s my own love for football that has kept me going. I love the adrenaline of sprinting, the thrill of a dribble, and the satisfaction of a perfect pass. More than that, football has taught me teamwork and friendship. The huddles before matches, the encouragement during play, and the laughter afterward are some of my most precious memories.
Shang Wang and his teammates cheering for SFUC victory
Q:How does your team usually train, and how do things change before competitions?
We train three times a week—Monday and Wednesday evenings, plus Friday mornings. Our coach also incorporates stretching and indoor training to keep us sharp. Before major matches like the Suzhou League or Sino-Foreign Cup, we add an extra session and focus heavily on tactics. Over the past year, the training has been intensive and high quality—exactly what I hoped for in varsity football.
A photo of Shang Wang and his teammates on the field
Q: What motivated you to become Football Club president, and how does the club connect with varsity?
It was my passion for football and the DKU community that motivated me. Not everyone can join varsity, but the Football Club ensures every student has a chance to play, no matter their skill level. We organize Saturday training sessions, intramurals, and friendly matches with local teams. We also gather to watch games together—sometimes Premier League late at night, or trips to Shanghai and Suzhou for Chinese Super League matches.
This year, we also formed DKU’s first official supporters’ group. With flags, chants, and drums, we rallied students to cheer on our varsity players. It has strengthened school spirit and built a stronger link between the club and varsity team.
Q:Can you share a highlight from your DKU football career?
One of my favorite moments was my debut game in the DKU Invitational against Suzhou University. I came on as a substitute right back and, though I didn’t score, I successfully shut down their main striker and helped build from the back. That match earned me the trust of my coach and teammates, and eventually a spot in the starting lineup.
Shang Wang’s calm and composed performance on the court
Q:What lessons has football taught you, and how do DKU traditions shape your experience?
Football has taught me resilience. I’ve lost badly before—once 14–0 in elementary school, and once I made a mistake that cost my high school team a championship. But instead of dwelling on failure, I’ve learned to move forward and keep improving.
I also cherish our team traditions. After training, our coach makes us run ten sprints across the field. Even when the stadium lights go out, we keep going, shouting chants in unison. In those moments, I feel deeply connected to my teammates and grateful to be part of such a motivated group.
Q:What are your personal goals for the new season, both as a player and as club president?
This season I’ll be moving from right back to midfielder, and I hope to improve my stamina and contribute more goals. I also want to help younger players adapt quickly to varsity-level competition.
As Football Club president, my goal is to bring more students into our activities and make the club one of the most vibrant organizations at DKU.
A group photo of the football team members and their coach
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