AFC Fitness coaching certificate course level 1B in Da Nang

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Nguyễn Tuấn Sinh, Director of Military Sports Centre No. 3; Mr. Mai Anh Hoàng, representative of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF); Dr. Yasumatsu Mikinobu, AFC and Japan Football Association (JFA) instructor and the course’s lead instructor; Mr. Kanno Atsushi, AFC and JFA instructor; and the participating coaches. The course’s language assistant was Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Sơn, interpreter at the PVF Football Training Centre.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Nguyễn Tuấn Sinh expressed his honour at Military Sports Centre No. 3 once again being selected by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to host professional training courses. He noted that in 2026, the Centre has worked with the VFF to organise two courses for coaches, with this being the first specialised fitness coaching course it has hosted.

Mr. Nguyễn Tuấn Sinh affirmed that the Centre would work closely with the VFF to ensure adequate facilities, training grounds and organisational arrangements, creating the best possible learning environment for participants to gain knowledge and practical experience and successfully complete the course. He also wished the participants productive days of study and an opportunity to experience the beauty of Da Nang.

For this course, the AFC appointed Mr. Yasumatsu Mikinobu as the lead instructor. With many years of experience in fitness coaching and coach education, Mr. Yasumatsu is expected to provide participants with up-to-date specialist knowledge as well as valuable practical experience.

Instructor Yasumatsu Mikinobu

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Yasumatsu Mikinobu expressed his honour at being in Vietnam to deliver the course and thanked Military Sports Centre No. 3 for its excellent preparations and facilities for the training programme.

He noted that the course marks the second phase of the AFC Level 1 Fitness Coaching programme and will take place over five days, covering a substantial amount of knowledge. He therefore encouraged participants to actively exchange ideas, ask questions and engage in discussions throughout the course to maximise their learning outcomes. In a friendly atmosphere, the AFC instructor also jokingly reminded the participants “not to ask about the final test in advance”, helping create an open and engaging atmosphere from the outset.

Alongside the course, the Japan Football Association (JFA) has once again assigned Mr. Kanno Atsushi to support the organisation and technical delivery of the programme. JFA’s continued support further demonstrates the close cooperation between the JFA and VFF in football human resource development.

Instructor Kanno Atsushi

Mr. Kanno Atsushi shared that the final examination would be a challenge for all participants, noting that even in Japan, some coaches have been unable to pass it on their first attempt. However, he emphasised that the most important thing is for each participant to view the course as an opportunity to challenge themselves, continue learning and further develop their professional expertise. He also expressed his hope that all participants would enjoy the five days of learning, sharing experiences and growing together.

On behalf of the participants, coach Nguyễn Thanh Hải, the class representative, expressed his gratitude to the AFC, the Vietnam Football Federation and Military Sports Centre No. 3 for facilitating the organisation of the course. He affirmed that all participants would strictly observe the course regulations and make every effort to absorb the professional knowledge shared by the instructors, thereby contributing to improving the quality of fitness coaching and the development of Vietnamese football.

The course also continued to welcome international participation, with Mr. Nishant Sindhu from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) joining the programme. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Nishant Sindhu thanked the Vietnam Football Federation for providing him with the opportunity to take part in the course. With more than 16 years of experience working in football in India, he said he was excited to have the opportunity to learn and work alongside AFC instructors in Vietnam. He also expressed his appreciation at wearing a shirt featuring the Vietnamese national flag throughout the course.

The AFC Level 1B Fitness Coaching Course is the next stage of the AFC Level 1A course, which was held from 12 to 16 August 2025 in Bà Rịa (now part of Ho Chi Minh City). Through the programme, participants will further develop their knowledge, skills and modern fitness coaching methodologies to apply effectively in player development.

In modern football, fitness is no longer simply about running more or being stronger. It has become a fundamental factor enabling players to maintain high-intensity performance, adapt to tactical demands, prevent injuries and extend their playing careers. Therefore, the objective of the course goes beyond simply completing the programme or obtaining a certificate. It also aims to help coaches embrace new coaching philosophies, update their knowledge of modern sports science, share practical experiences and gradually innovate their working methods.

The growing number of foreign coaches enrolling in courses organised by the Vietnam Football Federation also reflects the increasing recognition of the reputation and quality of coach education in Vietnam within the region. This will further motivate the VFF to expand AFC-standard training programmes, contributing to the development of a highly qualified coaching workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of Vietnamese football.