On the sidelines of the Nghe An Newspaper Cup: Opportunities behind opportunities

Companions

Go cheerYouth of Vinh CityThere is a special group of friends – parents who know each other through years of companionship and supporting their children on their journey in pursuing the world of football.

With her eight-month pregnant belly, the mother of a player shared: "To prepare for this match, we bought and printed uniforms, prepared banners, drums… This is not the first time we've been together, and it certainly won't be the last."

Another parent added: “In this tournament, after every match, the parent association always gets together to celebrate and congratulate the team. Having such quality friends on the journey of raising children is wonderful, and I really appreciate it.”

Sports connect people.

“This is the first time in our lives that relatives from both sides of the family have had the opportunity to gather together like this. Football and the tournament have given us this precious opportunity. Whether we win or not, this will be a wonderful memory with our family,” shared a spectator who is a relative of player number 10, Nguyen Chi Cong, of the Quynh Luu Youth team.

"We didn't come with relatives, we came with our neighbors. This is also the first time our neighborhood has rented a large vehicle to come here to cheer, it's so much fun," said a spectator from Quynh Luu.

Football not only connects relatives and neighbors, but also acts as a catalyst to rekindle hometown pride, bringing fellow countrymen closer together. Upon hearing that their hometown team had reached the finals, many people from Quynh Luu living and working in Vinh City traveled to support them and offered small gifts.

"It's been a long time since I've witnessed such a passionate football atmosphere. In recent years, even the matches of Song Lam Nghe An haven't had that kind of enthusiasm, passion, and unity," confirmed a parking attendant at Vinh Stadium.

Opportunities behind opportunities

In the stands, witnessing the moment the young players were awarded medals and received the championship trophy, many parents couldn't hide their emotions. In informal conversations, they talked about the opportunities and future prospects for their children.

"I've never had the chance to shake hands with any provincial leaders in my life. My grandson is much better off than me," said the grandfather of a football player from Hoang Mai town, proudly.

"After this tournament, many players were selected by Song Lam Nghe An. If they have talent and train hard, they have many opportunities to go further than this!" - another spectator shared.

Indeed, all the matches of the Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament were opportunities and stages for young players to showcase their talents. After 7 days of competition, Song Lam Nghe An scouts selected 42 players in the children's age group to invite to the tryouts for their youth football academy. Great opportunities are opening up for these players…