Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament 2022: The Thai ethnic boy who 'plays football well and studies hard'

Born into a poor family in Lo village, Xa Luong commune, Tuong Duong district, Thach was raised by his paternal grandparents from the time he started first grade, due to difficult family circumstances, while his parents went abroad to work.

A training session of the Tuong Duong Children's Team. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Aware of his circumstances, Lo Huy Thach always strived in his studies. In class, he listened attentively, eagerly volunteered to participate in class discussions, and at home, he studied ahead of the lessons and reviewed material before going to school. In his free time, he helped his grandparents sweep the house and pick vegetables. From grades 1 to 4, Huy Thach consistently achieved the title of outstanding student in both academics and character development.

After training sessions with the team, Lo Huy Thach also practices on his own at home. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Commenting on her student Lo Huy Thach, homeroom teacher Nguyen Thi Le of class 4A2 at Xa Luong Primary School said: “Thach is an active, responsible student with a high level of academic awareness. Thach grasps lessons quickly. As class leader, Thach manages the class very well and is responsible for his class. He has a gentle and approachable personality, so he is well-liked by teachers and friends.”

Not only is he a good student and an exemplary class leader, but Lo Huy Thach, a boy from the Thai ethnic group, also has a passion for football.

Thach's certificates of merit are carefully preserved by his grandfather. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Present at the artificial turf field in Thach Giam town, where the Tuong Duong District Children's Football Team is training.Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament 2022We were very impressed with young player Lo Van Thach. Thach is quite versatile, able to play both as a forward and as a midfielder. Thach has a solid physique, good health, and excellent technique, so he often makes spectacular breakthroughs and delivers powerful and beautiful shots.

Lô Huy Thạch shared: “In previous years, I've been to Vinh City 2-3 times. But, it wasn't for fun, it was for medical treatment. This time, being able to participate in the Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament in Vinh City with my friends and older brothers, I'm very happy and will try my best to play well.”

Thạch was praised by his teacher for his good study habits and for being a responsible class leader. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Mr. Lo Dinh Vien, from Lo village, Xa Luong commune, still takes his grandson to football practice twice a day. Mr. Vien shared: “After school, Thach is always glued to the ball. Whenever friends come to play, he invites them to play. This year, he's in 4th grade and he was selected for the district team to participate in the Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament. Not only is he happy, but my family is also proud. Having followed this tournament on the media for many years, I see it as a very healthy and beneficial activity for children during the summer. Through this tournament, the children get to interact, learn, and fulfill their passion for football, especially the children of ethnic minorities like us.” It is known that the distance from their home to the team's training location is about 10km, but the grandfather and grandson have never missed a single practice session.

Coach Nguyen Duc Thang, head coach of the Tuong Duong District Children's Team, commented on Lo Huy Thach: “In training, Thach is one of the children with good technique, stamina, footballing intelligence, and training discipline. Especially in matches, he has the ability to handle the ball quickly and skillfully. Therefore, even though he is only in 4th grade, the coaching staff has decided to include him in the team's roster for this year's tournament. Hopefully, with the contribution of Lo Huy Thach, the Tuong Duong Children's Team will have a successful season.”