Mon Son youth team is determined to make their mark at the Nghe An Newspaper and High School Cup.
In the last days of May 2026, when the summer sun in western Nghe An province blazed down, the Mon Son commune stadium was still bustling with the sounds of young players calling out to each other during training and the cheers of their teammates. Despite temperatures sometimes exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, the children continued to work diligently on the field, determined to compete in the 2026 Nghe An Newspaper and Television Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament.
This year marks a special milestone as Mon Son commune has established its first youth football team to participate in the provincial-level tournament after implementing a two-tiered local government system. The team's participation not only signifies competition on a larger stage but also demonstrates the local Party committee and government's concern for the well-being and development of sports and physical education among young people.
Late in the afternoon, as the sun's intensity waned, all 13 players of the Mon Son Youth team were present on the training field. After warming up, they began technical exercises, teamwork drills, and competitive matches. Their shirts were soaked with sweat, but no one showed signs of fatigue or discouragement. The faces of the young players always shone with excitement and determination.
This year's team was selected from talented football students currently attending schools in the area. Although they have never participated in a provincial-level tournament, they all share a passion for football and a desire to contribute to their local team.
Immediately after completing the selection process, the coaching staff developed a detailed training plan. Training sessions were scheduled for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the intense heat. The training focused on improving physical fitness, refining individual skills, enhancing teamwork, and familiarizing participants with tactical options.
Despite the challenging conditions and limited facilities, the serious training spirit of these young players is all the more valuable. Each training session is not only a process of honing their skills but also helps them learn discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence before entering the tournament.
Ha Minh Dang shared: “This is the first time I’ve been part of the commune’s team to compete in the Nghe An Newspaper and Television Cup Youth and Children’s Football Tournament, so I’m very happy and proud. Despite the hot weather, we all tried our best to participate in training sessions. I hope the team will perform well and bring home achievements for our hometown.”
Not only the players, but also parents and local people show special interest in the team. Many families always encourage and create opportunities for their children to participate in training. For students in mountainous areas, participating in a major provincial tournament is a valuable opportunity to interact, learn, broaden their knowledge, and nurture their passion for sports.
Accompanying the players throughout the preparation process is a coaching staff with many years of experience involved in school sports. From the first training sessions, the coaches closely monitor each technical movement, refine each ball handling, and instill confidence in the children before the big event.
Coach Ha Van Dung shared: “The players have a passion for football, a strong team spirit, and excellent determination. The coaching staff is focusing on perfecting their techniques, tactics, and mental approach to ensure they are as well-prepared as possible. We hope the team will give their all, deliver beautiful matches, and leave a positive mark on this year's tournament.”
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According to Ms. La Thi Hang, Deputy Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Mon Son commune, the formation of a team to participate in the Nghe An Newspaper and Television Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament has practical significance in creating a healthy playground for young people during the summer.
“This is the first time Mon Son commune has participated in the tournament after implementing the two-tiered local government model. Although the infrastructure and playing fields are still challenging, the locality always strives to create the best conditions for the children to practice and compete. Through this tournament, we hope to promote the physical education and sports movement in schools, and at the same time help children have an environment to interact, improve their health and develop comprehensively,” Ms. Hang said.