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NCKU Football Team Reaches UFA Division I Final Four for the First Time, Setting a New Team Record
The football team of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) delivered an outstanding performance in the 2025–2026 University Football Association (UFA) season, advancing to the Division I Final Four and setting a new milestone in the university’s athletic history. This year’s tournament featured four competition levels, with 78 teams and 1,928 athletes participating nationwide. NCKU’s breakthrough in the top-tier Division I competition not only demonstrated the players’ long-term training results, but also highlighted the comprehensive support system of a research university balancing academics, athletic training, and student care.
The Division I Final Four matches were held at Tainan Municipal Football Field, attracting large crowds of students, faculty members, and football fans. The atmosphere was electric throughout the event. NCKU Vice President Yung-Chun Lee and other faculty members attended to cheer on the players. Representatives from the Tainan City Sports Bureau, the Tainan Sports Federation, and the leadership of the Taiwan Steel Group Football Club also showed their support, demonstrating the close connection between campus athletics and the development of football in the city. The venue was packed with enthusiastic supporters, reflecting how challenging and significant it was for the team to reach the Division I Final Four.
Head coach Chun-Hao Wang stated that reaching the Division I Final Four was made possible not only through the players’ long-term dedication to training and strong team cohesion, but also through the university’s comprehensive support system. In particular, academic assistance and sports medicine support played crucial roles. The university provided systematic and continuous support, enabling players to maintain steady development while balancing academic responsibilities and intensive training, while also reducing the risk of sports injuries and improving overall competitive performance. The team especially thanked Director Chen-Chieh Lian of the NCKU Intelligent Sports Technology Center, Dr. Kai-Lan Hsu and the sports medicine team from the Department of Orthopedics at NCKU Hospital, as well as the integration of various university resources and the long-term support from society, which together allowed players to continue improving and growing in a supportive environment.
According to the Office of Academic Affairs at NCKU, the football team’s breakthrough represents more than just improved competition results; it is also a concrete achievement of the university’s efforts to promote diversified student development, cultivate athletic talent, and establish a supportive campus environment. Looking ahead, NCKU will continue enhancing academic support, sports protection services, and training resources, encouraging more talented students to participate in campus football and work together to build an even more competitive and cohesive team.
The Division I Final Four matches were held at Tainan Municipal Football Field, attracting large crowds of students, faculty members, and football fans. The atmosphere was electric throughout the event. NCKU Vice President Yung-Chun Lee and other faculty members attended to cheer on the players. Representatives from the Tainan City Sports Bureau, the Tainan Sports Federation, and the leadership of the Taiwan Steel Group Football Club also showed their support, demonstrating the close connection between campus athletics and the development of football in the city. The venue was packed with enthusiastic supporters, reflecting how challenging and significant it was for the team to reach the Division I Final Four.
Head coach Chun-Hao Wang stated that reaching the Division I Final Four was made possible not only through the players’ long-term dedication to training and strong team cohesion, but also through the university’s comprehensive support system. In particular, academic assistance and sports medicine support played crucial roles. The university provided systematic and continuous support, enabling players to maintain steady development while balancing academic responsibilities and intensive training, while also reducing the risk of sports injuries and improving overall competitive performance. The team especially thanked Director Chen-Chieh Lian of the NCKU Intelligent Sports Technology Center, Dr. Kai-Lan Hsu and the sports medicine team from the Department of Orthopedics at NCKU Hospital, as well as the integration of various university resources and the long-term support from society, which together allowed players to continue improving and growing in a supportive environment.
According to the Office of Academic Affairs at NCKU, the football team’s breakthrough represents more than just improved competition results; it is also a concrete achievement of the university’s efforts to promote diversified student development, cultivate athletic talent, and establish a supportive campus environment. Looking ahead, NCKU will continue enhancing academic support, sports protection services, and training resources, encouraging more talented students to participate in campus football and work together to build an even more competitive and cohesive team.
NCKU Football Team Reaches UFA Division I Final Four for the First Time, Setting a New Team Record
