On the sidelines: Fan waving signal

Mr. Lu Van Tam directs tactics to his son by waving his fan. Photo: Thanh Phuc

During the match between Tuong Duong Children's and Nam Dan Children's, in the stands, Mr. Lu Van Tam (Yen Na commune, Tuong Duong) closely followed the match's developments and frequently directed tactics to his son, number 11 Lu Quoc Thinh. "Hey, listen to me, when I raise the fan, it means to rise, and when I lower the fan, it means to rush back", Mr. Tam reminded his son.

Not knowing how effective the tactical signal by waving the fan was, but during the break between rounds, Thinh said: “Dad, stop waving the fan. I lost focus and didn’t understand. Sometimes, you fan so blindly that you don’t know whether to go up or down.” It turned out that sometimes Dad forgot, and because of the hot weather, Dad didn’t fan!

More difficult than gathering firewood!

Nghia Dan Children's Coach reminds young players of tactics. Photo: Thanh Phuc

On the field, the children were engrossed in following each ball, running at full speed to match the tempo, while outside, the coaches were also working at full capacity. Following the sidelines, shouting tactical instructions, rushing forward and retreating, calling forwards, defenders to the goalkeeper and sometimes even giving "reverse instructions" and reminding the referee...

Sweating profusely, hoarse throats, and lost voices are what the youth soccer coaches go through after each match. It is truly “more tiring than carrying firewood”.

"That honey to drink!"

Number 4 Le Quang Thuong, Nghia Dan Children's School in a ball situation. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Despite playing with all their might, Nghia Dan Children's Team was still overwhelmed by Hoang Mai Town Children's Team, leading the score.

All expectations were placed on the mainstay player Le Quang Thuong (number 4), so from free kicks, sideline kicks or retreating to defend, the coach instructed Thuong. With opportunities coming from the sideline or corner kicks, Thuong was given the chance to execute. However, luck did not come to the team of the land of flowers.

Along the sidelines, the reserve players of the Nghia Dan Children's Team gave instructions: "Shoot straight into the goal, Thuong!", "Get a shot right away, Thuong!", "Such a delicious opportunity, Thuong?"... angrily, Thuong replied: "Suck that honey!".