At SUIS Pudong, there’s a group of students who run with all their might on the field, and quietly grow through every lesson in the classroom.
In this issue of “Shine My Way,” we spotlight Coach Sam Zhang, our Primary PE teacher and coach of the SUIS Pudong Flag Football Team. Whether it’s a PE game or a championship match, behind every run and pass lies his deep passion for sports education—and the silent growth of his students along the way.
Hello! I’m Sam Zhang, coach of the SUIS Pudong Flag Football Team and PE teacher for Grade 3 Classes A, C, E, and F. This is my 10th year teaching at SUIS. In the past, I also coached our U11 and U13 basketball teams, leading our student-athletes to victory in the SSSA School Basketball League, some of you may have played “pass-the-ball tag” with me in PE just last week!
Though our flag football team has only been around for three years, it’s already full of energy and determination. I still remember the Pudong championship last year, our players were drenched in sweat during the final match, but they never let go of the ball. A brilliant dodge and pass sealed the win, earning us second place in the Primary B division. In the Shanghai Sunshine Sports League, our team bravely faced top competitors from across the city and secured fourth place in the mixed group, it is a new milestone for a teacher-led team like ours.
I’ve always believed that sports don’t belong only on the competitive field, they should be part of every child’s everyday learning. That’s why I bring elements of flag football into regular PE classes, breaking down complex skills into fun activities: for example, dodging becomes a game of “squirrels escaping hunters,” and passing drills turn into team-based relay challenges. Little by little, students get the hang of the game, and more importantly, they start to enjoy it. After class, they often come running to ask, “Mr. Zhang, can we play flag football again next time?” Their sparkling eyes tell me – this love for the game is already taking root.
In fact, many of our team players first fell in love with the sport in PE class. And the training we do in the team often inspires my teaching too. When I noticed some students struggled with reaction time, I added an obstacle sprint to PE lessons. When passing skills needed work, I designed a relay passing challenge: turning training goals into playful teamwork exercises for the whole class.
This two-way connection between classroom and team has created something special: PE has become the starting point for passion, and the team experience continues to enrich every lesson. These days, when I see kids chasing the ball across the field, or standing on the sidelines shouting “Let’s go!” with confidence, I feel truly proud. This is the kind of sports education we hope to give, one where children build strength, grow courage, and discover joy through every movement.
I look forward to seeing more students join our Flag Football Team. Let’s run, compete, and grow together!
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