Women"s national football tourney signs with sponsor

(7-3-2006), The Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) and the Viet A company yesterday in Ha Noi inked a sponsorship contract for the National Women”s Football Championships-VAPOWER Cup, which kicks off tomorrow in HCM City.

At the signing ceremony, the Viet Nam Football Development Joint Stock Company (VFD) the VFF”s exclusive marketer signed a month tournament contract with the mechanical and electric cable producer Viet A. The yearly women”s tournament has in the past had more difficulty finding sponsorship than the men”s equivalent; this is the second time funding has come through.

According to a VFD source, the contract is estimated at US$35,000 and could be extended following the close of the championships.

As decided in the January draw, defending champions HCM City will go up against Ha Tay in the opening match tomorrow.

This year”s championships will see teams from HCM City, Ha Noi, Ha Tay, Ha Nam, Cua Ong Coal and Thai Nguyen in a round robin competition in two legs. The two top teams will play in the final on April 14 at HCM City”s Thanh Long Stadium, and the next top two will fight it out for third.

Winners will get gold medals and a cash prize of VND80 million (US$5,030); runners-up will pocket VND60 million ($3,770) and third place will take home VND30 million ($1,890). VNS