VFF’s President visits and works with Can Tho City Football Association
In the afternoon of September 17, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) delegation, led by President Trần Quốc Tuấn, visited and worked with the Can Tho City Football Association. Joining the delegation were Mr. Nguyễn Hiền Lương – Head of the VFF Inspection Department, Mr. Lưu Quang Điện Biên – Director of the Grassroots, Coaching Education & Affiliated MAs, and representatives from various functional departments of the VFF.
18/09/2025 16:17:04
Regarding the local side, the working session was attended by Mr. Trương Công Quốc Việt – Deputy Director of the Cần Thơ Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; Mr. Đỗ Minh Trưởng – Chairman of the Cần Thơ Football Association; Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Danh – Vice Chairman of the Cần Thơ Football Association; Mr. Nguyễn Hoàng Phương – Head of the Norway Football Federation Representative Office and Project Director of Community Football in Vietnam; a member of the Executive Committee of the Cần Thơ Football Association; along with representatives from various specialized departments of the Department and Federation.
According to the report, since the 2022–2027 term Congress, the Cần Thơ Football Association has actively implemented many diverse activities. Notably, they have maintained and developed the FFAV Community Football Project in schools, with support from the Vietnam Football Federation and the Norway Football Federation. In the 2023–2024 period, 30 community football clubs at primary and secondary schools have participated, attracting nearly 7,000 students, more than half of whom are girls. The project not only provides beneficial sports activities but also integrates life skills education, contributing to character building for students. Additionally, the Association has coordinated training courses for grassroots coaches and referees; organized student football tournaments and international veteran player tournaments in Cần Thơ; and supported many grassroots, student, and regional competitions.
Alongside these positive results, the report also highlighted some difficulties, including limited funding, inconsistent facilities, infrequent exchanges between clubs, and a still low participation rate of female students in football.
During the working session, President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Trần Quốc Tuấn praised the efforts of the Cần Thơ Football Federation, especially given the vast area they cover and the recent integration of Sóc Trăng and Hậu Giang provinces. President Trần Quốc Tuấn emphasized that Cần Thơ holds a central position in the Mekong Delta region, and therefore, it is essential to continue leveraging the strengths of school football, while also rebuilding a roadmap for the city’s football to return to top-tier competitions.
He highlighted that it would be a great loss if a major regional hub—one that once had youth development systems from U15, U17, U19, U21 levels—lacked representation in professional leagues. President Trần Quốc Tuấn reaffirmed that the VFF always supports and accompanies Cần Thơ in training human resources, developing plans for men’s football, and exploring the development of young women’s football clubs. He also mentioned the importance of utilizing benefits from support projects by FIFA, AFC, and UEFA to foster growth in these areas.
Local leaders highly appreciated the attention and support from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF). They regarded the working visit and the opinions expressed by President Trần Quốc Tuấn as a source of encouragement and motivation for those involved in football in Cần Thơ. This support is expected to inspire greater efforts, contributing to the strong development of football in the city and the Mekong Delta region in the upcoming period.
