The tournament will officially kick off on August 12, bringing together U9 teams from around the country for the annual national competition.
Gia Lai will be represented by U9 Sao Viet Gia Lai and U9 LPBank Hoang Anh Gia Lai.
The U9 Sao Viet Gia Lai squad is built around players from the Bui Van Long Community Football Center, while U9 LPBank Hoang Anh Gia Lai primarily features young talents from the Pleiku School Community Football Center.
The National U9 Football Championship is organized annually by the Vietnam Football Federation in coordination with the Tien Phong and Nhi Dong Youth Newspaper.
According to the organizers, this year's tournament has a total prize fund of nearly VND 60 million (about $2,310). The champions will receive VND 15 million (about $580), while the runners-up will take home VND 10 million (about $385).
The third-place team will receive VND 8 million (about $310), while the Fair Play award carries a prize of VND 5 million (about $190).
Beyond the competition, the tournament provides young players with an opportunity to gain experience, learn from their peers and develop their passion for football while encouraging physical activity.
It also provides a platform for football experts to identify promising young players for further development and training.