Yen Thanh is determined to win the title at the Nghe An Newspaper Cup.

Training relentlessly

The intense heat of the summer days doesn't seem to discourage the young players of Yen Thanh. Regularly, every day, at the artificial turf field of Phan Dang Luu High School, the teachers and students of the Yen Thanh football team are always present, on time, and training intensely, ready to enter the Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament with the highest determination.

The Yen Thanh Youth team has a good balance of physique and individual skills. Photo: Quang An

Coach Vu Duc Quyet of the Yen Thanh Youth Team said: "Compared to previous years, this year's youth players have more uniform physique and technique, and have been carefully selected from various localities. Many children, even those living 15-20 km away from the training ground in areas like Ma Thanh, Dong Thanh, and Vinh Thanh, have overcome difficulties to return to the training field every day. This makes us coaches very appreciative and motivates us to train and nurture them so that they have more motivation to stay involved with football."

The tactical exercises were meticulously taught by coach Vu Duc Quyet. Photo: Quang An

According to our reporter's observations, Yen Thanh is a locality that has devoted a great deal of effort to this year's tournament. Preparations, especially the player selection process, began at the start of the year and have been continuously maintained. Notably, about a week before the tournament begins, coaches and students in Yen Thanh will train together in a "closed-door" environment, meaning the children do not return home but eat, sleep, and live right at the team's facility to be ready for the competition with the most thorough preparation. Besides coaching, the coaches also take on the responsibilities of shopping for groceries, cooking, and attending to the young players' needs. In return for this dedication, the Yen Thanh players train seriously in each session with high determination, striving to bring home the title for their hometown.

Many young players from Yen Thanh travel dozens of kilometers to train with the team. Photo: Quang An

In his coaching approach, Coach Vu Duc Quyet believes that while a player's talent is very important, ethics is the decisive factor in their career success. Therefore, in each training session, Coach Quyet sets clear rules and implements strict rewards and punishments to cultivate both character and talent in his players.

For players who arrive late to training without a valid reason, show a careless or negligent attitude during training, or make inappropriate remarks, there will be strict disciplinary measures. Because of this "iron discipline," the young players in Yen Thanh all train with a very serious attitude, high self-discipline, and strictly adhere to the coaching staff's instructions.

Training matches are held regularly to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each player. Photo: Quang An

Over the years, Yen Thanh has gradually established its position in the Nghe An Newspaper Cup, winning the championship twice in a row in 2011 and 2012 for the children's age group. 2018 was a year of great success for Yen Thanh football when the team won a "double championship" in both the children's and youth age groups. This record created a huge buzz, elevating Yen Thanh football and making opponents wary and cautious whenever they faced them. These successes have ignited a passion for football among the children of this rice-growing district. Talent classes have been opened, attracting many children who dream of becoming professional players.

Yen Thanh has always been one of the top contenders for the Nghe An Newspaper Cup championship. Photo: Quang An

Determined to bring home the title.

Although 2018 was a hugely successful year for Yen Thanh football, in the 2019 season, the Yen Thanh youth and children's teams were eliminated in the quarterfinals and semifinals of the tournament, thus losing their title. This caused great disappointment for the coaching staff and players, but faith in the young players has never wavered. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, this is the opportune time for Yen Thanh football to regain its prestige in a competition where they are always a top contender for the championship.

The Yen Thanh Children's Team is carefully selected from all localities in the area. Photo: Quang An

Mr. Nguyen Viet Cong – Deputy Director of the Yen Thanh District Center for Culture, Sports and Communications, said: “From the beginning of the year, we have instructed the coaches to gather the team and organize training sessions, both to prepare for tournaments, especially the Nghe An Newspaper Cup, and to improve the health of the children after a long period of inactivity due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For Yen Thanh district, physical education and sports activities, especially football, are given great attention and systematic investment. The children have the support and trust of the leadership, parents, and fans. Therefore, the Yen Thanh football team always gives their all whenever they take to the field.”

"However, it must be clearly acknowledged that this year, all the teams have prepared very thoroughly and systematically. Therefore, if we want to win the title, we must play cautiously and have a clear strategy for each opponent. Although we know we will face many difficulties, Yen Thanh is determined to win the title this season," Mr. Nguyen Viet Cong emphasized.

The Yên Thành youth football teams won the double championship in 2018 at the tournament. (Photo: Archival image)

Over the past seasons, Yen Thanh football has established itself in the hearts of fans with its fiery, beautiful attacking style and fair-play spirit. It has also trained outstanding players who have become pillars of SLNA and the national team, such as Phan Van Duc, Pham Xuan Manh, and most recently, the renowned players Truong Van Tuyen, Vuong Van Tung, and Nguyen Van Bach... These stars, who emerged from the Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth Football Tournament, are now an endless source of inspiration for subsequent generations. When asked, most of the young Yen Thanh players idolize their seniors and promise to be determined and strive to compete in the Nghe An Newspaper Cup to follow in their footsteps and bring glory to their rice-growing hometown of Yen Thanh.