Closing Ceremony of Vietnam Women’s Football Talent Identification Programme
On the afternoon of June 21, the closing ceremony of the second phase of the National Women’s Football Talent Identification and Selection Programme for players born in 2013 and 2014 was held at the headquarters of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF). The event marked the conclusion of three days of intensive and productive activities conducted under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (FIFA TDS).
25/06/2026 15:46:25
A rigorous selection process to ensure no talent is overlooked
The ceremony was attended by head coach of Vietnam’s women’s youth national teams, Okiyama Masahiko, members of the selection coaching staff, representatives from relevant VFF departments, as well as parents and 55 outstanding candidates who reached the final stage of the selection process.
On behalf of the selection committee, head coach Okiyama Masahiko highly appreciated the technical quality of the players participating in this selection phase. According to him, the programme was conducted smoothly in many aspects, from favourable weather conditions to effective organisational work. Notably, no players suffered injuries throughout the three-day event.
The Japanese tactician described the selection process as a success, emphasizing that the presence of 55 candidates in the second phase was largely thanks to the efforts of the players themselves, as well as the support of their parents and clubs. The participants showed confidence in demonstrating their skills across all assessment components. However, he also noted that this was a nationwide selection programme, meaning that simply reaching the second phase is already a significant achievement.
Concluding the three-day working period, the selection board commended the determination of all players who successfully advanced from preliminary rounds held across four regions nationwide to gather in Hanoi. The committee assessed that the programme was not only a selection event but also a meaningful journey, helping players test their abilities, gain valuable experience, and nurture their dreams of becoming professional footballers in the future.
From June 19 to 21, the candidates underwent a comprehensive assessment system, ranging from physical fitness and mobility tests to technical skill games and 8-a-side match situations designed to evaluate tactical thinking and team coordination.
In addition, direct interviews helped the coaching staff gain deeper insight into each player’s mentality, determination, and personal aspirations. The participants also underwent general medical examinations, including blood tests, clinical check-ups, and other in-depth screenings, to ensure a solid physical foundation for long-term training and development.
Expanding future talent pipeline resources
The talent selection and discovery programme for women’s football is part of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme in Vietnam. Its objectives go beyond simply identifying promising individuals, aiming instead to build a structured and systematic training pathway while expanding the pool of future resources for Vietnamese women’s football.
This approach reflects a long-term vision: strengthening the foundation of youth development, ensuring continuity in talent supply, and supporting the sustainable growth of women’s football in the country.
Previously, Phase 1 of the programme was conducted across four locations—Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nghe An, and Son La—from June 4 to 14, attracting a total of 268 players.
Hanoi recorded 115 participants, including players from Hanoi FC, Ha Nam, Thai Nguyen, and independent players. Ho Chi Minh City had 82 participants, Nghe An featured 42 entirely independent players, while Son La contributed 29 players, including those from local clubs.
The Vietnam women’s football talent identification and selection programme has now concluded, but for many participants, this is only the beginning. The experiences gained over the past three days have not only helped the players better understand the pathway to professional football but have also further inspired them to continue pursuing their passion.
