The Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football concluded successfully. Over 280 “Little Starfish” volunteers from six universities—Dalian University of Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian Ocean University, and Dalian Vocational & Technical —wove moving tales of youth and Dalian through 10,000 hours of passion and dedication both on and off the field. They served as language bridges transcending barriers, warm-hearted problem-solvers’ in emergency situations, and passionate companions united by football. Each story shone with the most vibrant light of youth.跨越语
Crossing the Bridge of Language:
Breaking down communication barriers with sincerity
Language was never a barrier to goodwill. With wisdom and patience, the volunteers ensured warmth transcended geographical and linguistic boundaries.
Dong Yusong, Dalian University of Technology
–Referee Reception Team
When receiving international referee Harish, Dong Yusong and his teammates proactively stepped up as translators, facilitating smooth communication. Thereafter, every time Harish passed the reception desk, he would greet them with a smiling “Hello, bro.” This warm greeting became the most heartwarming testament to their cross-border friendship.
Ge Yaxuan, Dalian University of Technology
–Referee Reception Team
While assisting a foreign referee with registration procedures, she encountered communication difficulties in English. Quick-witted, she downloaded a translation app and switched to the referee’s native language, and patiently helped him complete his WeChat registration. The referee’s sincere smile and repeated expressions of gratitude allowed her to truly understand the joy and value of cross-cultural communication.
Qiu Yajie, Liaoning Normal University
— No.1 Outdoor Field Broadcast at Suoyuwan
Her first time handling live English broadcasts proved challenging, as the foreign players’ tongue-twisting names stumped her. She stuck Chinese phonetic notes onto the script and practiced relentlessly until her pronunciation flowed smoothly. When the Spanish player bent down to pick up the speaker, their shared smile in that moment quietly shattered the language barrier—for the transmission of goodwill never requires many words.
A Beaconin Emergency Moments:
Shouldering Responsibility and Commitment through Collaboration
Facing unexpected situations, the volunteers responded swiftly and cooperate perfectly, becoming the most reliable “calming force” for the event.
Chen Xinlu, Dalian Maritime University
— Reception Department
Before the opening ceremony, one team suddenly couldn’t attend, and Chen Xinlu stepped in at the last minute to complete the rehearsal for them. She and her classmates Li Zidi and Kong Yaoxuan urgently reviewed the procedures and checked the movement routes in the office. Once inside the Suoyuwan Main Stadium, they perfectly coordinated through eye contact and gestures amid the surging crowd. As the spotlight fell upon her shoulders during the official opening and thunderous applause erupted from the stands, she couldn’t help but raise her arms in response, her eyes brimming with tears. “This applause belongs not only to our team, but to every university student pouring their youth onto the field. This green pitch bears witness to the most passionate dreams of China’s youth.”
Zhao Chuanming, Dalian Maritime University
–General Service Desk Volunteer, Comprehensive Coordination Department,
Working as the general service desk volunteer, Zhao Chuanming once received a request from an athlete urgently needing a hot water pool to soothe muscles before a match. He immediately coordinated and facilitated a ‘staggered sharing’ solution. Watching the athlete relax and prepare as needed, he deeply understood that the service desk was not just an information point, but a crucial “communication bridge” connecting needs.
Chen Luyu, Dalian Jiaotong University
— Logistics Support for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
After a rehearsal, a fellow student leaned on the railing, saying she felt hypoglycemic. Chen Luyu immediately took out candy from the first-aid kit, quickly heated a meal, and handed it over with warm water. Only when the student smiled and said “feeling much better” did Chen relax – realizing that the warmth of logistics support lies in these subtle acts of care.
Li Yingjie, Dalian Jiaotong University
–Maintaining Backstage Order at the opening and Closing Ceremonies
Backstage on the first day of the competition, the bustling crowd mingled with the clatter of equipment being moved. One dancer was so nervous her hands were shaking. Noticing this, Li Yingjie quickly stepped forward and whispered reassuringly, “Don’t worry, I’ll walk you to the makeup station—the lighting there is perfect.” Guided by him, the contestant gradually relaxed and smiled. “Thanks to you, I feel much calmer now.”
Warmth on and off the pitch:
Spreading the magic of football through passion
Whether working behind the scenes or providing on-field support, volunteers are writing their own unique stories of youth through their passion for football.
You Yiting, Dalian Jiaotong University
— Supervisor Position for Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Stationed at a key point connecting the glorious front stage and the busy backstage, she witnessed flag bearers rehearsing tirelessly until drenched in sweat, and remembered the solemn moment when the national anthem played and the entire audience stood in respectful silence. What moved her most was seeing athletes from various countries pass backstage during the entrance – while thunderous applause came from the front, waiting performers lining the corridor would sincerely wave and shout “Welcome!” to every team. The radiance of a major event isn’t confined to the stage; it stems from tiny gleams of light converging from every corner. Her own youth was fortunate to become part of this collective light.
Shi Weipeng, Dalian Ocean University,
— Ball Boy
During preparations, Shi Weipeng proactively assisted staff in moving materials, tirelessly shuttling between the field and warehouse, carrying everything from heavy equipment cases to boxes of drinking water. When his clothes were soaked with sweat, a staff member’s “thank you for your hard work” made all fatigue disappeared. He learned that volunteer service isn’t only about the glamour in front; silent contributions behind the scenes hold profound significance.
Zhang Hexuan, Dalian University of Technology
–– Stretcher-Bearer
During his work as a stretcher bearer, a player fell injured in a match. Zhang Hexuan and his partner cooperated perfectly, swiftly moving forward and professionally carrying the player to the substitute area, buying precious time for subsequent medical treatment. He deeply realized that while stretcher-bearers aren’t the focus on the field, they play a vital role in ensuring player safety – a responsibility weightier than a thousand pounds.
Du Bingkun, Dalian Ocean University,
— Ball Boy
Driven by his passion for football, Du Bingkun signed up to be a ball boy. Though he’d watched and played the game for over a decade, this marked his first time volunteering at a major international tournament. Drawing on his deep understanding of football rules, he proactively helped teammates with questions like “When is a corner kick or goal kick awarded?” and “When is a stretcher needed on the field?” What moved him most was when, after retrieving balls for players during team training sessions or matches, they would say “thank you” in Chinese—a reminder that football is not just a sport, but a warm cultural bridge connecting nations across the globe.
Liu Shizhong, Dalian Vocational & Technical College
– Stretcher/Flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony
Liu Shizhong has two unforgettable service experiences: as a stretcher bearer during the group stage, he remained vigilant at the sidelines of the green field, with every standby duty representing a solemn commitment to the players’ health and safety—his sweat soaked with responsibility; as a flag bearer during the opening ceremony, he marched in proudly carrying the FISU flag, his chest swelling with pride as youth resonated with the international event. Different roles, same passion. He takes immense pride in leaving his youthful mark on this global sporting celebration.
Cui Kai, Dalian Vocational & Technical College
— Ball Boy
As a ball boy, Cui Kai witnessed up close the determination of elite players from around the world: some scrambling back to their feet after falls, others celebrating goals with teammates in joyful embraces. These moments deeply inspired him: “Being part of this international tournament fills me with pride for my college, and this experience will become one of my most cherished memories in college.”
From cross-linguistic goodwill interactions to stepping up in emergencies, and then to the passion and connections through football, the 280 “Little Starfish” volunteers demonstrated through action that the spirit of volunteering is never an empty slogan—it is the convergence of every heartwarming moment. They showed the world Dalian’s warmth and let the world feel the scorching passion and strength of Chinese youth!
28 Sep
