Kim Sang Sik and Park Hang Seo to Attend Gia Lai U14 Football Festival

The upcoming U14 Gia Lai 2026 International Football Festival marks a significant moment for youth football development in Vietnam, drawing attention from both current and former national team coaches. The participation of HLV Kim Sang Sik, the current head coach of the Vietnam national team, and HLV Park Hang Seo, who led the team to numerous successes, underscores the importance of this event.

Organized by the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC, and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the festival is a key part of the National Tourism Year 2026. This integration of sports and tourism highlights Gia Lai's commitment to leveraging sporting events for local promotion and economic development. The involvement of international youth teams alongside domestic powerhouses like PVF and Song Lam Nghe An promises a high level of competition and valuable experience for young Vietnamese players.

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I always believe that training, developing, and cherishing young talent is the future and focus of Vietnamese football.

HLV Park Hang Seo's endorsement of the tournament and his emphasis on nurturing young talent resonate deeply within Vietnam. His statement, "I always believe that training, developing, and cherishing young talent is the future and focus of Vietnamese football," reflects a widely held sentiment. This focus on youth development is seen not just as a sporting endeavor but as crucial for the sustainable growth of Vietnamese football, a perspective often highlighted by local media and football authorities like Mr. Doan Nguyen Duc, the driving force behind Hoang Anh Gia Lai's academy.

From a Vietnamese perspective, the festival is more than just a competition; it's an investment in the future. While international coverage might focus on the presence of notable coaches, local media emphasizes the broader impact on youth development, talent scouting, and the promotion of Gia Lai as a destination. The substantial prize money further signals the seriousness and ambition behind the event, aiming to attract top young talent and foster a competitive spirit. This event embodies the nation's growing dedication to building a strong footballing future from the ground up.

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I am very passionate about what Mr. Doan Nguyen Duc is building at the Hoang Anh Gia Lai Academy. For Vietnamese football to develop sustainably, we need to focus and put all our effort into the development of youth football.