After a 20-year wait, U19 Song Lam Nghe An has reclaimed the U19 National Championship title in 2026. This achievement is the result of a process of changing training mindsets, adjusting coaching methods, and gradually paving the way for young players.
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Duc Anh• February 7, 2026
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After a 20-year wait, U19 Song Lam Nghe An has reclaimed the U19 National Championship title in 2026. This achievement is the result of a process of changing training mindsets, adjusting coaching methods, and gradually paving the way for young players.
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NewspaperNghe An Radio and Television had an exchange with Mr. Tran Quang Dung - Director of the Song Lam Nghe An Youth Football Training Center - regarding this issue.
PV:The 2026 National U19 Championship has concluded, but the impact of the victory is still very strong. For you, what is the greatest significance of this Gold Medal?
GrandfatherBareQuangDung:The U19 and U21 leagues have long been considered the two most important "gateways" for youth development, where players are tested before entering the professional stage. Therefore, for Song Lam Nghe An, participating fully and seriously in these youth tournaments is always a mandatory task.
Mr. Tran Quang Dung – Director of Song Lam Nghe An Youth Football Training Center – shares his joy with the SLNA U19 players. Photo: Duc Anh.
However, this year's U19 championship is a milestone showing that our new approach is on the right track. Returning to the top spot at the U19 level after 20 years, the feeling is undoubtedly one of immense happiness. More importantly, this title gives us the confidence to persevere on the path we have chosen.
PV:Why has Song Lam Nghe An dominated the U9, U11, and U13 age groups for many years, but struggled in the U17, U19, and U21 age groups?
GrandfatherBareQuangDung:Looking back frankly, we see three main reasons.
Firstly, there's the issue of direction. For a long time, we placed too much emphasis on achievements at young ages, prioritizing early medal wins, while the ultimate goal of youth training should be to provide players for SLNA's first team and the national teams.
Mr. Tran Quang Dung
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"Why did it take us 20 years to win the U19 championship? We looked directly at three reasons."
Mr. Tran Quang Dung
Secondly, there's the selection process. Recruiting players too early, from 7-8 years old, leads to significant errors. Many children who excel at a young age may not meet the physical or psychological requirements later in life, or may suffer injuries.
Thirdly, there's the training plan. There were times when we applied the training methods of the older age group to the younger ones, chasing after results and inadvertently "skipping stages," causing players to not develop evenly.
These three factors combined mean that the achievements at the U17, U19, and U21 levels do not live up to the tradition of Song Lam Nghe An.
PV:Given that reality, how has the Center changed its training methods?
GrandfatherBareQuangDung:We started by changing our mindset about football. The center clearly defined that we wouldn't prioritize achievements at younger age groups, accepting the trade-off of medals in the U9, U11, and U13 age groups to focus resources on the U17, U19, and U21 age groups. These are the age groups that will determine the quality of players for the future, for the SLNA first team, and for the national team.
The young players in SLNA's yellow jerseys always step onto the field with the highest determination. Photo: Duc Anh
In addition, the selection process has been streamlined to be more systematic. The center only signs training contracts when the children turn 10 years old; before that, the players only train for short periods, participate in tournaments, and then return to their local areas to live and study.
In addition, the training plan has been adjusted. Each age group has its own training program, tailored to their physiology and psychology, eliminating the need for 13-14 year old players to train as hard as 17-18 year olds.
The goal is sustainable development, not chasing short-term achievements.
PV:The initial stages of change must have been quite challenging, sir?
GrandfatherBareQuangDung:That's right. 2025 was a very difficult year, as we didn't win any gold medals at the national youth championships. That created a lot of pressure and doubt. But we understand that's the price to pay for starting over. Fortunately, the center always receives support from management at all levels; without that consensus, it would have been very difficult to persevere with the new direction.
PV:Besides technical skills, what other criteria does the Center set to ensure players can have a long-term career?
GrandfatherBareQuangDung:Football is not just about skill and physical fitness. We place a special emphasis on moral and character education for our players. Playing well without discipline and good manners makes it very difficult to become a professional player.
The SLNA Youth Football Training Center has clear criteria regarding daily life, discipline, and conduct. Photo: Duc Anh
The center has clear criteria regarding living conditions, discipline, and conduct. Only players who meet these requirements can join the ranks of Song Lam Nghe An's youth teams.
In fact, in many recent tournaments, our teams have often won the Fair Play award, receiving high praise for their spirit and image. This is proof of our innovative approach, teaching the children not only to be good footballers but also to be decent people.
PV:Fans are curious about what the U19 team's next steps will be after winning the championship.
GrandfatherBareQuangDung:Previously, after the U19 tournament, players had almost no continuous playing opportunities, having to wait two years before reaching the U21 level. This year, the center has facilitated their participation in the 2026 National Second Division League, providing them with opportunities to play and gain experience. At the end of the year, the team will focus on preparing for the U21 tournament and the National Sports Games. Thus, this generation of players will have a continuous playing schedule without interruption. Outstanding players will be included in the U21 roster and, further, in the Song Lam Nghe An first team.
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"After winning the championship, it's important to pave the way for players to develop professionally."
Mr. Tran Quang Dung
PV:Fans in Nghe An province are hoping that SLNA will make a strong comeback in supplying players to the national teams. What are your thoughts on this?
GrandfatherBareQuangDungThat's both pressure and motivation. We frankly acknowledge that, for a long time, Song Lam Nghe An's youth football hasn't kept up with modern trends. The previous training model had many shortcomings; there were many applicants but few graduates, which was both wasteful and lacked humanistic values.
With this new approach, in the next 5-10 years, Song Lam Nghe An will have many players of sufficient quality to serve the first team and the national youth teams. Photo: Duc Anh
Currently, we are learning from more advanced training models, with a moderate number of players but a commitment to nurturing them until adulthood, ensuring they can balance their academic studies with their football development. I believe that with this new approach, in the next 5-10 years, Song Lam Nghe An will have many players of sufficient quality to serve the first team and the national youth teams.
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