Women in Tan Son play football.

(Baonghean)Ngoc Son is a mountainous commune in Quynh Luu district. In previous years, mobilizing women to participate in social work, especially in sports and physical activities, was difficult.

Given that the main occupation in this commune is crop farming, the lives of the women are often difficult and busy. Every day, they are present in the fields to tend, weed, irrigate, and harvest. When they do have time, they have to manage household chores and care for their families and children, leaving many members with insufficient time to participate in community activities... except on holidays. Previously, the Tan Son Commune Women's Association maintained sports activities among its branches and associations, but mainly in volleyball, stick pushing, and tug-of-war... Although members participated, these activities did not receive the full support of spectators.

Based on that reality, the leaders of Tan Son Commune People's Committee determined that to change the atmosphere and promote the commune's sports movement, they needed to encourage football competitions among women's associations. Initially, they formed women's football teams in each village, then organized competitions between villages. Gradually, women's football was included in the list of sports to be played during holidays, and from there, women with good football skills were selected to form the commune's women's team to participate in exchanges with other communes. Typical examples are the teams from villages 3, 4, and 5. Many women are now "amateur players" for the women's association of Tan Son Commune, such as Ms. Ho Thi Ly, Ms. Ho Thi Huong, and Ms. Le Thi Phuong...

Initially, the women were hesitant, but later, with the support of their husbands and children, and the enthusiastic encouragement of the audience, many members made an effort to arrange their work schedules and fully participate in training sessions and competitions. Ms. Dau Thi Nhan, president of the women's association of the commune, said: "The establishment of the commune's women's football team has been very well supported by everyone. Almost 100% of the husbands encourage their wives to participate in sports and physical training. We see this as a positive sign, because it gives women a playground of their own, helping them to relax mentally and spiritually, and moving towards gender equality."

The Women's Association of Tan Son commune comprises 10 villages. Currently, these 10 villages have formed 10 football teams, each with its own uniform and training schedule. Every day, around 5 PM, after finishing their farm work, the women gather to practice together, with guidance from officials, youth union members, and especially their husbands, who act as dedicated "coaches."

Going forward, Tan Son commune will establish a Women's Football Club, invest in fields and organize many tournaments for women to participate in. It can be said that Tan Son commune is a shining example in the women's sports movement in Quynh Luu district.

Thao Quynh - Kieu Nga