The 'gentlemen' of the village

The commentator explained: “You know, football is considered the king of sports and the men who play on the field are truly gentlemen”. Oh! So we have been “gentlemen” in the mountains for a long time! Even though the football field is just a narrow strip of land on the mountainside or in the middle of a village surrounded by clouds and mountains.

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

In the middle of June, we marched to "Vinh village". We were young players of Thai, Mong, Khmu, Tho ethnic groups, gathering in Vinh to participate in the Youth - Children's Football Tournament of Nghe An Newspaper Cup. It was so much fun! We really resembled the "gentlemen" as the journalist commented on the matches. We not only got to play football and compete with friends from all over the province, but also stayed in hotels, ate many delicious dishes, and visited the walking street in Vinh city under the sparkling lights. The journalists also regularly visited and gave gifts. Those who studied well were rewarded. At the end of the tournament, regardless of the results, the coaches also organized a trip for us to visit Nam Dan, Uncle Ho's hometown, and go swimming in Cua Lo beach. Oh my, it was so much fun!

A fight for the ball in the match between Quy Hop Football Club (white shirt) and Thai Hoa Football Club. Photo: Thanh Cuong

We came to Vinh from the highlands of the province and had a very exciting summer. Even more fun was the process of participating in the Youth - Children's Football Tournament Nghe An Newspaper Cup, some of the students were recognized by the teachers at Song Lam Nghe An Football Club for their football talent. Not only did they guide us on football techniques, the teachers also selected the best students to nurture so that they could become professional players in the future.

So, these days we are truly “gentlemen”. Returning home, we will forever keep these warm and sweet memories.