Kids play the first match of the Hanoi Youth Football League yesterday at Xuan La Stadium. The new league offers children between 6-18 years old the chance to fulfil their footballing dreams.

Hanoi Youth Football League (HYFL) has attracted students from some of the most prominent Vietnamese and International Schools in Hanoi and various independent teams.

Eighteen teams have registered for the first season of the league, which will run between February and June this year.

The importance of sports and recreation for the health and development of children cannot be stressed enough, said Dutch Ambassador Joop Scheffers.

“Football is the most popular sport in Vietnam. The youth football league will provide a platform for children that will stimulate fair play, companionship and cultural exchange. Partnering with this initiative perfectly matches our ambition to broaden the scope of our bilateral relations,” he said.

At the opening ceremony, Scheffers handed out 318 sets of uniforms with the slogan ‘Holland Pioneers in international business’ to all the young football players registered to play in the league.

Up until now, Vietnamese children have depended on occasional tournaments, training and friendly matches to play competitive football.

“We are very pleased to see this invigorating partnership that will provide the desired competitive platform bringing motivation and joy for these young football stars,” said Le Hoai Anh, director of International Affairs Department of the Vietnam Football Federation, at the opening ceremony.

Organisers of the HYFL said the league was an important step in stimulating youth football in the city. Based on a (European) model of youth competitions, the league will host over 40 matches per year, organise a cup final and contribute to the further development and promotion of quality football in Vietnam.

The HYFL will also bring children from different nations together in a fun and stimulating environment where they can learn from each other through the one thing many children like most: sports.

The HYFL will consist of three age groups: Under-8, Under-10 and Under-14. The first three youth champions of the league will be announced in June. In August, the second season will commence with the expectation of a full schedule of matches in more age groups between six and 18 years old.

The league is sponsored by Ly Club, the Netherlands Embassy and the German Embassy in Hanoi.

VietNamNet/VNS