“Magic Moves” programme continues its rollout at Five Clubs in Can Tho

Mr. Le Nguyen Chuong, Principal of Cai Khe Primary School, speaks at the opening ceremony on 25 October

Previously, on 25 October, the programme was launched at two football clubs based at Cai Khe Primary School and the Ninh Kieu Ward Multi-Service Centre.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thu, Deputy Director of the Ninh Kieu Ward Multi-Service Centre, speaks at the opening ceremony on 25 October

The opening ceremonies at Binh Thuy Primary School (main campus and Branch 3) and the Thoi Lai Commune Multi-Service Centre (Thoi Lai Primary School) were attended by Mr. Luu Quang Dien Bien, Head of the Grassroots Football, Training and Member Organisations Department of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF); Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuc, Chief of Office of the Can Tho Football Federation; instructor Huynh Viet Nam; instructor Do Thi Ngoc Cham, coach of the Vietnam U13 women’s national team; and representatives of the management boards of the primary schools.

Representing the VFF, Mr. Luu Quang Dien Bien said that developing girls’ football from an early age was one of the key priorities of the Federation. To achieve this goal, alongside creating opportunities for girls to experience football, training community instructors and implementing football programmes in schools, clubs and local communities play an important role in laying the foundations for the long-term development of Vietnamese women’s football.

Mr. Luu Quang Dien Bien emphasised that the programme also provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the VFF, the Can Tho Football Federation, schools and local authorities in promoting girls’ football development.

To equip community instructors with the necessary technical knowledge and organisational skills, the VFF organised a community football instructor training course under the UEFA/AFC-supported Women’s Football Development Project (2024–2027), held in Can Tho from 23 to 25 October.

Following the course, participants will apply the knowledge and skills acquired in practical coaching activities, organising age-appropriate sessions and creating an environment where girls can be physically active, experience football and gradually develop an interest in the game. They will also form a core force in promoting girls’ football at the local level and nationwide.

At the opening ceremonies, school representatives expressed their appreciation for the attention and support of the VFF, which will provide students with further opportunities to develop both physically and mentally.

Mr. Ngo Ngoc Ly, Principal of Thoi Lai Primary School

Mr. Ngo Ngoc Ly, Principal of Thoi Lai Primary School, noted that football not only helps improve physical fitness but also contributes to educating students about healthy lifestyles, discipline and teamwork. He expressed his delight that the school had the opportunity to participate in the programme and hoped it would provide a meaningful sporting activity for girls to improve their fitness after school.

The school will facilitate the programme by providing the necessary facilities, assigning staff to coordinate its implementation and communicating with parents to encourage girls to take part.

Ms. Tran Thi Kim Quyen, Principal of Binh Thuy Primary School (main campus), speaks at the opening ceremony

Sharing her enthusiasm for the programme, Ms. Tran Thi Kim Quyen said that the school had maintained a football club for many years through socialisation efforts. However, the number of female students participating remained limited. Previously, the club had mainly attracted boys, with only one girl taking part. Therefore, being selected to implement the programme has raised hopes of encouraging more girls to take up football in the coming period.

Ms. Bui Thi Kim Tuyen, Vice Principal of Binh Thuy Primary School (Branch 3), speaks at the programme’s opening ceremony

At the opening ceremony, VFF representatives presented the clubs with football equipment, including match balls, cones, bibs and training kits, to support the delivery of training activities and provide students with suitable conditions for participation. The children also received programme souvenirs, including footballs, keychains, logo-printed pens and copies of the “Magic Moves – Những bước chân nhiệm màu” handbook.

The “Magic Moves – Những bước chân nhiệm màu” handbook is designed to support instructors and coaches in organising and delivering football activities for girls aged 6 to 9. It features the story of “Nàng Tiên Ốc”, which follows a shy girl’s journey to overcome her hesitation and discover football, alongside basic exercises tailored to the age group. Through the story and practical activities, the handbook aims to help girls become familiar with football in a natural and enjoyable way, develop motor skills, teamwork and confidence, and discover the joy of the game while gradually nurturing a love for the sport.

The programme was first launched at five clubs across Can Tho City, marking an initial step towards expanding the model of football training for girls. The VFF hopes to further expand the programme to localities nationwide through strengthened cooperation with international football organisations such as UEFA, FIFA and AFC, thereby laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnamese women’s football from an early age.