Still, the energetic young man is confident he can turn the venture into a profitable business.

"It's a really fun program. Through sports, which are very important in the US, we get to know about sportsmanship and culture-wise, it's a good way to start a conversation and make new friends,'' said Yuan Jiajun, who studied at Kings Christian High School in California after graduating from Beijing No 8 Middle School and has entered the University of California at San Diego this year.

Another camper Wang Yechen, who plans to study abroad next year, said the program not only helped make US sports more popular, but also drew teenagers away from computer games during summer break.

"It feels good to come out and do some outdoor workouts with guys who all intend to study in the US instead of staying at home. Physically and mentally, it's worth the money," Wang said.

Students who have returned from abroad also echoed Cong's belief that sports can bridge cultural gaps.

Zhang Ruoyi, a planning specialist with Huace Media, studied communication management at the University of South California and said sports helped connect students from different countries .

"Sports are the cornerstone of campus culture in the US. Updates about school teams are always hot issues," said Zhang, who developed her interest in American football by following the USC varsity squad.

"Every game day was like a gala carnival and everybody would get involved. If you like sports, it will be much easier to be accepted (by the community) and make new friends."

According to the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, 399,600 Chinese students went abroad for study last year making China the biggest student-exporting country in the global education market.

KanKan Sports has already benefited. Its second camp, which opened in June, recruited more students than the first program although Cong raised the weekly fee to 300 yuan to make ends meet.

According to Ivy Labs Education, a US-based education consulting firm that provides college admission counseling to Chinese students, such sports-oriented prep programs are rarely seen in China but the demand is increasing.

"There is a growing need for such a program," said Alice Sun, founder and director of Ivy Labs.

KanKan Sports had to overcome initial skepticism as people doubted Cong's idea would result in a successful business.

However, Chris Clark, a former junior ice hockey coach in the US, who now works with KanKan Sports, is a firm believer in Cong.

"When he told me about how big he wants the camp to grow, I was really excited. It's a big vision for such a young guy," said Clark, who used to play hockey with Cong.

With Cong leaving for the US in September, Clark has prepared to take on more managing roles.

"As young Chinese are really busy, I think the way we grow it into a regular business is to figure out how to make it accessible for the students."