Vietnam railway workers balance peak season with football championship

The Vietnam Railway Union team is gearing up for the 2026 Vietnam Workers' Football Championship, marking their second participation in the tournament. This year's squad draws players from various railway units in the southern region, with a significant contingent from the Saigon Locomotive Enterprise.

Participation in the championship comes during a demanding period for the railway workers. The summer months represent peak transport season, requiring intense focus on production and operational duties. "We are a business, especially at this time, it's the peak of summer transport, so everyone is focusing on production," shared Pham Thanh Hoan, a committee member of the Vietnam Railway Union and chairman of the Saigon Locomotive Enterprise Union.

“

We are a business, especially at this time, it's the peak of summer transport, so everyone is focusing on production.

Training for the team began only on June 3, due to the high workload. The squad is still awaiting two additional members from Binh Thuan, who are delayed due to their responsibilities managing train schedules. These players are expected to arrive on June 6. To prepare adequately, the team is adjusting their daily work routines to accommodate practice sessions and has scheduled two friendly matches before the tournament begins.

Some players have demonstrated their dedication by attending a friendly match on June 4 directly after finishing their shifts, still in their work attire. Team captain Cao Ly De, a train driver himself, highlighted the diverse roles within the team, including train operators, signalers, and track maintenance workers, all united by a shared passion for football. "But we all share a common passion for football," he said. "I drive trains, my schedule is based on shifts. Every afternoon, there's a plan for who drives which train, whether it's a night or day run. This season is the summer campaign, trains run frequently, and everyone works a lot. But luckily, the leadership creates favorable conditions for everyone to participate in this dreamlike big playground."

“

But we all share a common passion for football. I drive trains, my schedule is based on shifts. Every afternoon, there's a plan for who drives which train, whether it's a night or day run. This season is the summer campaign, trains run frequently, and everyone works a lot. But luckily, the leadership creates favorable conditions for everyone to participate in this dreamlike big playground.