AFC/VFF ‘C’ Coaching Course 2026 kicks off in Da Nang
On the morning of 28 June, at the National Defence Sports Centre 3 in Da Nang, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), in cooperation with the National Defence Sports Centre 3, officially opened the AFC/VFF ‘C’ Coaching Course 2026. The course will run from 28 June to 10 July 2026, bringing together a large number of participants, including coaches currently working at football clubs and training centres across Vietnam. It forms part of the VFF’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of coach education and developing qualified coaching personnel in line with AFC standards.
Attending the opening ceremony were Nguyễn Tuấn Sinh, Director of National Defence Sports Centre 3; Huỳnh Mạnh Hòa, coach at National Defence Sports Centre 3; along with two course instructors, Phan Bá Hùng and Nguyễn Lương Phúc.
This marks another occasion on which the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has collaborated with the National Defence Sports Centre 3 to organise a coaching education course. With its standardised pitches, classrooms, and training facilities, the centre fully meets the professional requirements of the programme. As a unit under the military sports system, the centre consistently ensures strict quality standards, thereby creating favourable conditions for effective coach education and training.
The course also reaffirms the ongoing collaboration between the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the Japan Football Association (JFA) in developing and refining coaching education programmes at C, B, A, and Pro levels. This cooperation aims to enhance the overall quality of coaching personnel and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnamese football.
The teaching responsibilities are undertaken by two experienced instructors, Phan Bá Hùng and Nguyễn Lương Phúc. Phan Bá Hùng has been involved as an assistant instructor in VFF coaching courses since 2018, while Nguyễn Lương Phúc joined the coaching education system in 2025. Both bring extensive playing and coaching experience, offering participants practical and up-to-date knowledge.
This year’s course brings together a number of former national team players and current professional footballers, including Đỗ Hùng Dũng (Hanoi FC, 2019 Vietnam Golden Ball winner), Nguyễn Huy Hùng, Lê Văn Thắng, and Hồ Khắc Ngọc, among others. These are all players who have represented the national teams and are now gradually transitioning into coaching roles.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyễn Tuấn Sinh, Director of National Defence Sports Centre 3, expressed his honour that the centre is hosting the AFC/VFF ‘C’ Diploma Coaching Course for the first time.
He extended a warm welcome to all participants and affirmed that the centre will work closely with the organising committee to provide full support in terms of facilities and living conditions, ensuring the course is conducted successfully. He also wished all participants a meaningful and enriching learning experience during their time in Da Nang.
Representing the teaching staff, Phan Bá Hùng expressed his emotion at returning to Da Nang after many years of working in the military sports environment. He thanked the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the National Defence Sports Centre 3 for their trust, and affirmed that the instructors will deliver the most up-to-date knowledge to help participants enhance their professional competencies.
He also emphasized that the trainees play a crucial role in youth football development and will contribute significantly to the future growth of Vietnamese football.
Sharing the same view, Nguyễn Lương Phúc expressed his gratitude to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) for creating conditions for him to participate in coaching instruction. As a former player who went through the process of studying and transitioning into coaching, he expressed his wish to share experiences with the participants and learn from one another, contributing to the overall development of Vietnamese football.
On behalf of the participants, class representative Đỗ Hùng Dũng expressed his gratitude to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the organising committee, and the National Defence Sports Centre 3 for facilitating the course.
He noted that most participants are attending a coaching education programme for the first time and therefore may face initial challenges. He also expressed hope that they will continue to receive guidance and support from the instructors and the organising committee throughout the course.
Representing the class, he reaffirmed the participants’ commitment to studying diligently, strictly adhering to course regulations, and completing the training programme to the best of their ability.
According to the plan, the AFC/VFF ‘C’ Diploma Coaching Course 2026 will run until 10 July, featuring a training programme that combines both theoretical and practical components in accordance with AFC standards. The course aims to enhance the quality of grassroots coaching staff and lay a solid foundation for the development of Vietnamese football.
