Au Van Hoan and his concerns about youth football coaching in Song Lam Nghe An

Thosepythonreturn to coaching

On the training ground of Song Lam Nghe An Youth Football Training Center, it is easy to recognize the image of a young coach who is both strict and close to his students. That is Au Van Hoan. He used to be a fiery right-back in the national team, now he is shouldering the responsibility of nurturing the next generation of Nghe An football.

After a period of good performance in the U12 team, recognizing his enthusiasm and coaching ability, the center's leaders decided to appoint Au Van Hoan as the head coach of the U15 SLNA team. Although they have the advantage in physique, the players in this team are still limited in technique and football skills. That is the problem that young coach Au Van Hoan needs to solve in his new journey.

“Coaching requires a lot of sacrifices, sometimes I can’t even balance between family and work. But seeing my students improve day by day, I feel my efforts are worth it,” Coach Au Van Hoan confided.

Colleagues appreciate that dedication. Coach Le Ky Dai (U11 SLNA) shared: “We are very happy that a successful player like Mr. Hoan returns to work in youth training. For the children, he is a senior to learn from.” Meanwhile, Coach Que Ngoc Manh (U12 SLNA) affirmed: “Mr. Hoan is a very dedicated person. Although he is young, he is always eager to learn and update new training methods to pass on to his students.”

Not only is he a football teacher, Hoan is also an inspiration to his students. Nguyen Dinh An - U12 SLNA player, said: "There were times when I was sick and had to take medicine, but teacher Hoan always cared and allowed me to rest to recover. He told me to practice when I was strong enough, and if I wasn't strong enough, he didn't force me. But once I was on the field, he always reminded me to concentrate and try my best."

For coach Au Van Hoan, youth football training is not only about creating good players but also about building responsible and ethical people. “The U15 age group has many differences, each child has a different personality and situation. My task is to unite the team, create an environment for the children to both improve professionally and develop their personality,” Au Van Hoan affirmed.

With dedication, the coach born in 1989 carefully observed each student to make timely adjustments. He emphasized the role of discipline and team spirit, while not forgetting to remind them of effort. “I always remind the students that if they want to become professional players, they must strive constantly,” Hoan shared.

Always turn leftheartback to hometown

For over 20 years, Nghe An fans have often said: "When the Lam River dries up, Nghe An football will run out of talent." That saying is now true for Au Van Hoan's generation. From a player who once played for the national team, he now bears the responsibility of sowing seeds for the next generation. Those are the future children of Nghe An football and, more broadly, of the country's football.

Looking back, Au Van Hoan is not the most prominent name in Vietnamese football, but he always leaves an impression with his perseverance, passion and dedication. He is part of the SLNA team that gradually won the V.League 2011 championship.

Having played for many V.League teams, Hoan still keeps his heart set on his homeland. “My best memories are always associated with Song Lam Nghe An. Thinking back to the days when I was a player and had to pack up and leave the club, I felt really sad and disappointed. But because of my love for my hometown football, I know I will return to contribute,” he said.

From a diligent defender, Hoan has now turned a new page, with the role of youth team coach. If in his football career, he contributed to bringing victories to the Nghe An team, then in his current job, he contributes to sowing the seeds of future victories.

Fans expect that with his dedication, Au Van Hoan will help U15 SLNA not only achieve better results but more importantly, train many players with enough qualities to wear the SLNA first team jersey and further contribute to Vietnamese football.

At a young age, Au Van Hoan is taking his first steps in his coaching career. But with his love for his homeland, his eagerness to learn and his sense of responsibility, he promises to become one of the important factors in helping SLNA's youth training continue to move forward. And as Nghe An fans always believe, thanks to the dedication of young coach Au Van Hoan today, the green shoots of Nghe An football will continue to grow strongly, preserving and extending the pride of Nghe An football.