Gia Lai to Host International U14 Football Festival with Attractive Prizes

Gia Lai province, in collaboration with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Hoàng Anh Gia Lai FC, is set to host the U14 Gia Lai 2026 International Youth Football Festival, a significant event designed to elevate youth football standards and promote local tourism. This festival is a cornerstone of the National Tourism Year 2026 initiatives, aiming to spotlight Gia Lai's unique cultural and natural attractions on a national and international stage.

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We used to establish the Hoàng Anh Gia Lai Arsenal JMG Academy, which went down in the history of the club as well as Vietnamese football. That was the first professional model following European football. However, we have never organized a proper youth tournament. Why do we underestimate youth football when youth football determines the future? That is the reason we are creating this grand tournament and will try to maintain it as an annual event (every 2-3 years). If we don't focus on youth football, it will become a thing of the past.

Spearheaded by the visionary Đoàn Nguyên Đức, often referred to as 'Bầu Đức,' the festival underscores a deep commitment to nurturing young talent. Bầu Đức, a prominent figure in Vietnamese football, expressed his long-held ambition to organize a high-caliber youth tournament, lamenting the past neglect of youth development. "Why do we underestimate youth football when it determines the future?" he questioned, highlighting the festival's crucial role in shaping the next generation of players. This event aims to be a recurring fixture, held every 2-3 years, ensuring sustained focus on youth development.

Former Vietnam national team coach Park Hang-seo, now Vice Chairman of the Korea Football Association, lauded the initiative, emphasizing the critical importance of investing in young talent for the sustainable growth of Vietnamese football. VFF Chairman Trần Quốc Tuấn echoed these sentiments, praising Hoàng Anh Gia Lai's pioneering spirit, recalling their historic collaboration with Arsenal to establish Vietnam's first professional football academy. This festival builds upon that legacy, providing a valuable platform for young athletes to gain international exposure and hone their skills.

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I am very pleased to meet you all again in such a meaningful event. I always believe that training, developing, and cherishing young talent is the future and focus of Vietnamese football. I am very passionate about what Mr. Đoàn Nguyên Đức is building at the Hoàng Anh Gia Lai Academy. Therefore, for Vietnamese football to develop sustainably, we need to focus and make every effort for the development of youth football.

From Vietnam's perspective, this festival is more than just a competition; it's an investment in the nation's future sporting prowess and a strategic move to enhance Gia Lai's profile as a key tourist destination. The substantial prize money, with the champion team receiving $20,000, signals the seriousness and ambition behind the event. This contrasts with how youth development might be perceived internationally, where the focus can sometimes be more on immediate results rather than long-term foundational growth. The festival's success will be a testament to Vietnam's growing dedication to cultivating its footballing talent from the grassroots.

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I highly welcome the initiative to implement this meaningful program by Hoàng Anh Gia Lai Club, interacting with domestic and foreign clubs, creating a playground for players to compete.