Young stars shine at the Nghe An Newspaper Cup.

Ngo Xuan Phong – the “Golden Hand” of the Vinh City Youth Team

A successful diving save by goalkeeper Ngo Xuan Phong of the Vinh City Youth team. Photo: Duc Anh.

As the eldest of three children in Hung Chinh commune, whose parents were self-employed and struggled to make ends meet, Phong became independent and responsible early on.

Passionate about football since childhood, but as the eldest child, he had to take care of his two younger siblings, and due to difficult economic circumstances, even though he lived in the city, he couldn't attend any football training classes.

"My son only participates in local and ward tournaments and plays for fun; his parents don't have the money to invest in him," shared Ms. Le Thi Hai, Phong's mother.

Phong was discovered and invited to join the team thanks to a recommendation from the physical education teacher at Hung Chinh Secondary School to coach Le Anh Duc.

"Initially, when we called Phong up to the team, we had him train and play as a sweeper. But the more he trained and played friendly matches, the more he realized how well suited he was to the role of a goalkeeper."

Ngo Xuan Phong possesses all the qualities of a "goalkeeper". (Photo: Duc Anh)

Ngo Xuan Phong possesses all the qualities of a "goalkeeper": accurate ball-judging, quick reflexes, and agility. Notably, Phong is one of the rare goalkeepers who uses his feet to block shots. Before the final match, thanks to Phong's solid defense, the Vinh City Youth team only conceded one goal.

With his outstanding contribution, Ngo Xuan Phong played a major role in helping the Vinh City Youth team win the runner-up title, and he was awarded the title of "Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament".

Cao Huy Hoang– the “soul” of the teamTan Ky Children's Hospital

A dribbling move by Cao Huy Hoang. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Mentioning number 4 Cao Huy Hoang immediately elicits admiration from all young football fans, who lavish praise on him, calling him the "soul" of the Tan Ky Children's team. And indeed, those words of praise are well-deserved for Hoang.

This is the second season that Hoang has been part of the Tan Ky Children's team participating in the Nghe An Newspaper Cup. Last season, Hoang also had some spectacular plays and assists that helped his teammates win against their opponents and become champions. After that, Hoang was scouted by Song Lam Nghe An Club and called to train with their youth team. With his talent and training in a professional environment, Hoang has developed a technical and confident playing style, and plays very maturely.

Participating in this season, Cao Huy Hoang is both a key player for the team and a source of moral support for his teammates. On the field, besides his confident demeanor and sharp, agile technique, Hoang's playing style is quite elegant. His feet seem to possess "magic" in his dribbling, ball control, and even his shots. His goals are all spectacular and always curl into the tricky corners of the opponent's goal, leaving the opposing goalkeeper helpless.

With his unwavering competitive spirit, Cao Huy Hoang is considered the "heart and soul" of the Tan Ky Children's team. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Despite playing as a center-back, number 4 Cao Huy Hoang is the top scorer for the Tan Ky Children's team. This season, Cao Huy Hoang has scored 6 goals in 5 matches. Notably, in the tense penalty shootout against the Thanh Chuong Children's team to secure a place in the final, Cao Huy Hoang was even entrusted with the goalkeeper role by the coaching staff. "It's very stressful, because just a slight mistake or a bit of bad luck could cost us the chance to defend our title. However, the coaches and the whole team trust me, so I just try my best," Hoang shared.

Hoang's calmness and precision helped him successfully save the penalty kick from the Thanh Chuong Children's team, contributing to the Tan Ky Children's team's advancement to the final.

Coach Nguyen Van Linh of the Tan Ky Children's team said: "Hoang can play in many positions. He has solid technique, competitive spirit, and a graceful style of play. When we put Hoang in as goalkeeper in the semi-final match, we didn't take any risks; we carefully considered and calculated everything. Hoang was chosen because we trust him."

For his contributions throughout the season, Cao Huy Hoang deservedly received the "Best Player" award for the children's age group at the 25th season from the Organizing Committee.

Thai Van Tuan Duy - the "golden glove" of the Quy Hop Children's team.

"Golden Glove" winner Thai Van Tuan Duy. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Born into a farming family in Nghia Xuan commune (Quy Hop district), Duy, despite his passion for football from a young age, had few opportunities to play the sport. Firstly, the local children's football movement was underdeveloped; secondly, his parents discouraged him from playing, fearing injury and neglect of his studies. Therefore, to fulfill his passion, at the beginning of the school year, Duy "committed" to his parents that, despite playing football, he would achieve the title of outstanding student.

While participating in a community football talent class opened in Nghia Xuan commune, Duy also diligently studied. As a result, at the end of the school year, Duy achieved three scores of 9 in three subjects: Math, Vietnamese, and English, and earned the title of outstanding student. At the end of the school year, Duy was also selected by the teachers at the District Cultural, Information and Sports Center to join the Children's team, participating in training and playing in the Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament.

Thai Van Tuan Duy was encouraged by the leaders of the Cultural, Sports and Information Center after the match. Photo: Xuan Thuy.

Although he can play in many different positions: midfielder, defender, and goalkeeper, Duy's large physique, accurate and quick judgment earned him the trust of his coaches, who entrusted him with the role of "goalkeeper".

Over the course of five matches, goalkeeper Tuan Duy's solid and reliable performance helped the Quy Hop Children's team gradually conquer the tournament and reach the semi-finals.

"Objectively speaking, Tuan Duy was outstanding in the goalkeeper position, making a significant contribution to helping the Quy Hop Children's team overcome their opponents to reach the final," coach Cao Thanh Xuan commented.

In the final match against Tan Ky Children's team, facing a stronger opponent, the Quy Hop Children's team created numerous dangerous scoring opportunities throughout both halves. However, "golden glove" Tuan Duy brilliantly saved many shots from the opposing team, rescuing his team. Although he couldn't keep a clean sheet to help Quy Hop Children's team claim the championship, Tuan Duy's performance deserved to be voted "Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament".