Dung, born in 1982 and residing in Quy Nhon Ward, has become a familiar figure within the local football community. Each afternoon at Hoa Lu Stadium, he can be seen preparing training equipment alongside students from Vietfootball Academy, a routine that has become a familiar sight for parents and aspiring young footballers.
Driven by a desire to create positive opportunities for children, Dung said the enthusiasm and joy young players bring to the sport continue to motivate his work.
“At this age, the kids play football with carefree enthusiasm and passion, without worrying about tactics or achievements. That makes me want to accompany them even more and help create a good environment for their development”, he said.
Earlier this year, Vietfootball Academy expanded its activities and now operates at two locations: the Provincial Military Command football field in South Quy Nhon Ward and the Railway Football Field in Quy Nhon Ward. The academy attracts around 100 regular trainees and employs five coaches, most of whom are former footballers with experience in technical and tactical development.
According to Dung, football training extends beyond teaching ball skills and focuses equally on teamwork, discipline and personal development. Students are grouped according to age and ability, with beginners learning fundamental techniques while more advanced players receive instruction in tactics, fitness and match awareness.
For many young participants, the programme offers both learning opportunities and enjoyment. Every weekend, 11-year-old goalkeeper trainee Ho Hoai Anh travels nearly 15 kilometres from Tuy Phuoc Dong Commune to attend classes.
“I love going to practice because the coaches are easy to understand and fun. Each session, I learn new skills and get to interact with my friends”, he said.
In addition to regular training sessions, the academy organises friendly matches, field trips and competitions with other community football centres across the province. The activities are designed to provide practical experience, improve communication skills and help children become comfortable in competitive environments.
Dung’s commitment to youth football is rooted in his own playing career. He represented the Binh Dinh U21 team in 1997 and later played for Dak Lak in the 2005 National First Division tournament, experiences that shaped his understanding of the dedication required to succeed in football.
After retiring from professional competition, he remained involved in the sport and became a national referee in 2007. Since then, he has officiated at numerous professional competitions, including the National Cup, National Second Division and National First Division tournaments.
His refereeing career has taken him across the country, where he has observed a variety of grassroots football models in cities including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Those experiences, he said, helped shape his vision for youth football development in his hometown.
“Traveling and meeting many people has allowed me to learn from colleagues about how football is developed in places with strong, professional grassroots movements. It made me think about how to create a better environment for youth football in my hometown”, Dung said.
Alongside his coaching responsibilities, Dung continues to serve as a referee at local grassroots competitions, particularly veterans’ tournaments in Quy Nhon.
Alongside his daily dedication to community football classes, Đặng Quốc Dũng is also an active referee in grassroots tournaments, especially the “veterans” league in Quy Nhơn.
With years of experience as a national referee and deep professional knowledge, he is known for his fairness, approachability, and the trust he earns from teams. His efforts have helped stimulate the growth of local football and spread a passion for sports throughout the community.