The tournament’s opening day attracted senior Gia Lai provincial leaders, officials from the Vietnam Football Federation, and Vietnam national team head coach Kim Sang-sik, highlighting the growing stature of the youth competition.
Among those closely following the matches was Hoàng Anh Gia Lai owner Boss Đức, who has rarely attended his club’s V.League fixtures this season. From the Hàm Rồng Training Center to Pleiku Stadium, he was seen quietly observing the games and enjoying the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the young players.
Though officially a friendly competition, the tournament has distinguished itself by bringing together youth teams from several of Asia’s leading football nations, including Japan, South Korea, China and Thailand.
The event has also generated a level of excitement rarely seen at local football matches in recent years. Nearly every stand at Pleiku Stadium was filled, with around 7,000 fans attending the festival. For many football supporters in Gia Lai, it marked the return of a lively and electric stadium atmosphere.
Fans were treated not only to football but also to a large-scale opening ceremony inspired by the National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026 under the theme “Mountains embrace the blue sea”.
Performances featuring Central Highlands gong culture and Bình Định traditional martial arts drew enthusiastic reactions from the crowd, many of whom captured the performances on their mobile phones.
Võ Thùy Trâm, a resident of Pleiku Ward, said she attended the tournament with her son, who is passionate about football.
“When I heard about the youth football tournament, I brought my son because he loves football. I was truly surprised by the opening ceremony performances, they were rich in cultural identity, yet lively, energetic and modern”, she said.
Supporters gathered in large numbers at both Pleiku Stadium and the Hàm Rồng Training Center, including visitors traveling from other provinces.
Nguyễn Trung Nam, from Nghệ An Province, said he was in Pleiku on a business trip when he learned that his hometown club Sông Lam Nghệ An was participating in the competition.
“I unexpectedly met fellow supporters who share the same passion. We gathered and talked together. Without football, I probably would not have had the chance to meet such friends,” he said.
For parents of young players, the festival has also become an opportunity to accompany their children while exploring Gia Lai’s scenery and cuisine.
Phan Văn Thu from Ho Chi Minh City, whose son Phan Việt Đức plays for U14 LPBank HAGL, said he has long supported the mountain town’s football club and encouraged his son to apply to the LPBank HAGL Football Academy, where he was accepted into the seventh intake.
Despite the distance, Thu said he regularly arranges his work schedule to travel with his son to tournaments.
“For me, Gia Lai is a wonderful place to live, with its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, delicious food and many major sporting events. This region deserves greater recognition for its tourism potential”, he said.
“This Festival is a valuable opportunity for the children to compete against strong teams from Vietnam and abroad. I hope the tournament helps them mature and gives them confidence to pursue their dreams of becoming professional footballers”.