The secret to Song Lam Nghe An's youth academy winning 3 championships.

On this occasion, reporters from Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television had an interview with Mr. Tran Quang Dung - Director of Song Lam Nghe An Youth Football Training Center to better understand this issue.

Reporter: Sir, 2026 can be considered a resounding success for Song Lam Nghe An's youth football team, having won three championships at the U13, U19, and U21 national tournaments organized by the Vietnam Football Federation. How do you view the significance of this achievement?

Mr. Tran Quang Dung:This is the result of diligent training and collaborative efforts from many parties.

First and foremost, this is due to the attention and investment of the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, the Provincial People's Council, and the Nghe An Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Over the years, the province has issued many mechanisms and policies to improve the benefits for coaches and athletes in terms of salaries, allowances, nutrition, and training conditions. In particular, the Provincial People's Council recently passed Resolution No. 20 increasing the meal allowance for young coaches and athletes, and from 2027 onwards, salaries and allowances for young coaches and players will continue to increase. This is a great source of encouragement for both coaches and athletes to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to their work.

In addition, the support of sponsors, formerly Tan Long Group and currently SAVABECO, along with the dedication of the coaching staff, the efforts of the players, and the encouragement of parents, have contributed to the resounding success of Song Lam Nghe An's youth football in 2026.

Reporter: Besides the three championships, Song Lam Nghe An also won three Fair Play awards. In your opinion, what significance do these titles have for youth development?

Mr. Tran Quang Dung:We have always considered the Fair Play award to be very significant, because training players is not just about improving their skills, but also about focusing on moral education and awareness to shape their character and resilience on their journey to becoming professional players. In fact, not only in 2026 but also in 2025, even without winning the championship, the U15 and U19 Song Lam Nghe An teams were still awarded the Fair Play award.

Before each tournament, the coaching staff reminds the players to play fairly, respect their opponents and referees, and adhere to discipline. To win the Fair Play award, a team needs not only good results but also to be highly regarded for its spirit, attitude, and awareness. This is also a recognition of the comprehensive education that the Song Lam Nghe An Youth Football Training Center always strives for.

Reporter: It's a fact that in the past, Song Lam Nghe An was very strong at younger age groups but struggled at the U19 and U21 levels. In your opinion, what changes have led to this significant transformation?

Mr. Tran Quang Dung:When we were put in charge of youth training, we determined that fundamental change was necessary.

The first priority is raising the standards of the coaching staff. We require coaches to continuously learn and improve their qualifications, while also boldly rejuvenating the team by giving opportunities to former players with expertise, modern thinking, and training methods. Currently, head coaches of teams from U17 to U21 are required to have an A-level coaching certificate issued by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Next, the team underwent a review and streamlining process. The center reduced the number of players receiving benefits from 215 to 190, coordinating with relevant authorities to verify age and identify those who did not meet professional requirements.

Most importantly, we need to change our training mindset. We no longer prioritize achievements at young ages, but instead aim to train players with the ability and qualities to serve the Song Lam Nghe An first team, the national youth teams, and potentially compete in the V.League or at least the First Division. That is the core value and also the measure of success in youth training.

Reporter: So, the titles won in 2026 are not the ultimate goal?

Mr. Tran Quang Dung:That's right, trophies and medals are just motivation for both coaches and students to keep striving. We use the competition results to evaluate the year's work, not as the ultimate goal.

The most important thing is how many players the center must train each year who are capable of playing for the Song Lam Nghe An first team, how many can play in the V.League, the First Division, or be called up to the national youth teams.

If we can achieve that, then the training program will truly be successful. If we only win many medals but fail to produce professional players, then we haven't achieved our goal.

Reporter: In your opinion, what additional solutions does the center need to implement in the future to help young players get closer to professional football??

Mr. Tran Quang Dung:What we most hope to achieve in the near future is to create more competitive environments for players after the youth tournaments conclude.

The U19 and U21 age groups are a transitional phase to professional football. Regular participation in the Third Division, and then gradually progressing to the Second Division, will allow these young players to gain valuable experience, creating an important stepping stone before being promoted to the first team.

Therefore, we hope the club will soon establish a Song Lam Nghe An youth team to participate in the Third Division. This model has been implemented in several localities, most recently Hong Linh Ha Tinh, and has initially proven effective in creating a bridge between youth training and the first team. If successful, players will have more opportunities to gain experience and mature faster, thereby increasing their chances of playing for the first team, national youth teams, and ultimately becoming professional players.

For the U9 and U11 age groups, we continue to promote social involvement, creating more playing opportunities but without placing too much emphasis on results. Resources will be prioritized more for the transition phase from youth training to professional football. I believe that, with this direction and the attention of Nghe An province, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, sponsors and fans, Song Lam Nghe An youth football will continue to train many quality players, maintaining its position as one of the leading training centers for Vietnamese football.

Reporter: Thank you for the interview.