Time for action in Ho Chi Minh City
It was time for action in the AFC U-13 Girls Festival of Football for the East and ASEAN region as matches between the participating teams kicked off at…
A total of 11 teams from Vietnam, Australia, China Taipei, China, Guam, Japan, DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Myanmar, Philippines and Thailand are participating in the Festival.
All matches are played at Thanh Long Sports Center.
In his opening speech, Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Deputy General Secretary Nguyen Huu Bang expressed his gratitude towards AFC for their trust in VFF’s ability.
“It is a proud moment for us to be chosen to host the Festival for the third time. I must thank AFC for their trust in us.”
“This year’s Festival is as joyful and exciting as previous years, if not better. I hope and believe that all the participants from East and ASEAN region will enjoy their stay here.”
“This is a great opportunity for all the participating teams and players to exchange culture, make friends and share experiences with each other.”
“I would also like to thank Ho Chi Minh City Sports Department for their co-operation with the VFF to make this Festival a success,” he said.
AFC Women’s Department Development Officer Tran Thi Lan Huong and Ho Chi Minh City Sports Department Deputy Director Mai Ba Hung were also present at the opening ceremony.
The Ho Chi Minh City’s Festival is the last of two Festivals for U-13 girls this year. After the Colombo event, held from March 4 to 17 for the West and Central Asia zone, the East Asia and ASEAN’s festival is held here from June 20 to July 3. The Festivals last year were for U-14 girls.
The Festivals are an important part of AFC’s overall development programme. It provides early teens with the chance to compete against their peers at the national level in a friendly atmosphere.
The Festivals are also where the AFC identifies talented coaches and referees for the Project Future programme, where they are given further education.
