Jointly organized by the Bui Van Long Football Center and Sao Viet Inter-level School, the tournament was held on January 31 and February 1 in Pleiku Ward. Unlike most domestic youth events, typically designed for U11 or older age groups, the U9 format reflects a rising demand for earlier player training.
Former national footballer Bùi Văn Long, founder of the center bearing his name, said that countries with strong football systems often begin structured training at ages six or seven, a stage he described as the “golden window” for identifying potential. Vietnam, however, has traditionally started academy training at 11 to 13, limiting both development time and talent-spotting opportunities.
A nationwide shift is now taking shape as more parents enroll children in community football centers. That trend has fueled demand for competitive platforms like the U9 Sao Viet Cup and the National U9 Football Championship, which has run annually since 2021. Gia Lai hosted the 2024 national event, where 28 teams participated and helped strengthen grassroots football in the province.
The Sao Viet Cup attracted clubs from Pleiku City and distant localities, including teams traveling up to 140 km to participate. “My child has become healthier, more disciplined, and more confident since joining the center,” said Nguyễn Huy Anh of Phú Túc commune, who accompanied his son from Krông Pa. “Even with the long two-day trip, we fully supported the children so they could enjoy the tournament before returning to school.”
For many young players, the event was their first large-scale competition. “We didn’t win the championship, but we’re very happy and hope there will be more tournaments like this,” said Trần Gia Kiệt of U9 An Tường Lộc Phát.
Nguyễn Văn Ý, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the province supports community-level tournaments that help nurture emerging talent. “These events promote school sports and help identify promising young players for future development, including the 2026 National U9 Championship,” he said.
The inaugural Sao Viet Cup, organizers said, aims to become a recurring platform for discovering and shaping future footballers from the earliest stages of their development.
