Organized by the Gia Lai Provincial Labor Federation, the tournament runs from May 2 to May 23, 2026, bringing together 610 players and coaches from 42 grassroots trade union teams.
The competition is being held to celebrate the 14th Congress of the Vietnam Trade Union for the 2026-2031 term and in response to Workers’ Month 2026.
A match in Group B, Western region of the province. Photo: R.H
According to Nguyễn Đức Long, a Standing Committee member of the Provincial Labor Federation and Deputy Head of the Trade Union Affairs Committee under the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, the event is also intended to promote patriotic emulation movements and creative labor initiatives among workers.
The tournament aims to provide a healthy recreational platform for union members and workers, while strengthening solidarity and exchanges among grassroots trade unions and contributing to the development of football in the province.
The competition is divided into two regions, with 16 teams competing in the western region and 26 teams in the eastern region. Matches are played in a five-a-side format on weekends.
In the western region, teams compete in four round-robin groups before progressing to knockout rounds, including quarterfinals, semifinals and the regional final. Matches are held at Sao Viet Primary, Secondary and High School in Pleiku Ward.
The eastern region features six groups of four to five teams, also using a round-robin format. Matches take place at the Sports and Cultural Center within the Trade Union Facility Complex in Quy Nhơn Bắc Ward. The final match between the two regional champions is scheduled for May 23 at the same venue.
Trade union representatives said participation in the tournament helps strengthen sporting activities and workplace connections. Đặng Mậu Tuân, chairman of the grassroots trade union at B&D Lingerie Vietnam Co., Ltd., said the company has maintained a men’s football team since 2023, providing support for training, uniforms and team operations.
“We do not focus on achievements but aim to participate in an annual event, creating a healthy environment for union members and workers,” Tuân said.
The tournament has also attracted first-time participants, including the football team from Hùng Vương Gia Lai Hospital Co., Ltd., made up entirely of medical staff. In their opening Group B match in the western region on May 3, the team secured a 5-1 victory over Gia Lai Water Supply and Drainage Joint Stock Company’s grassroots trade union team.
Phan Duy Hảo, head of the hospital’s grassroots trade union delegation, said the team had limited training time due to professional responsibilities but remained committed to the competition.
“This is not only an opportunity for exchange and learning but also a chance for the hospital’s staff to showcase a dynamic and passionate image on the football field,” Hảo said.
In another opening match in Group B of the western region, Chi Lăng High School’s grassroots trade union team recorded a 12-0 victory over Pleiku Medical Center’s team.
Player Phan Bảo Phúc of the Chi Lăng High School team said the squad aims to win the western regional title and qualify for the final in Quy Nhơn Bắc Ward.
With strong participation and enthusiastic support from workers and spectators, organizers said the tournament is expected to deliver competitive matches while enriching the cultural and spiritual life of workers throughout Gia Lai Province.
