LookAtVietnam – Football grounds for hire are springing up across HCM City in what is an increasingly competitive and lucrative business.

In early 2006, the first artificial grass football ground appeared in District 10. This facility quickly became famous and was always occupied by amateur football teams. Soon more new football grounds were built in the city and they now number almost 300 in total.

“A large number of football grounds have been built in the last year in HCM City. In Tan Binh district alone, there are over 40 grounds,” said Van Xuan Thien, director of the Thanh Lam Sports Company, an investor in mini football grounds.

According to Tuoi Tre Daily’s survey, the number of mini football grounds is on the rise day by the day, especially in the outskirts, to serve local people, particularly children and youth.

The current prices for football grounds in the outskirts are from 120,000 to 170,000 dong per hour during the day and 190,000-200,000 per hour in the evening. It is more expensive for football grounds in districts 1, 5, 10, 11 and Phu Nhuan where costs can vary from150,000 to 400,000 dong per hour. However, even the current number of football grounds can’t meet demand.

Dao Van Quy, who runs two football grounds in Tan Binh district, said that fierce competition has begun among owners of football facilities by providing free drinks, lending balls and jerseys, organizing friendly matches and even slashing leasing fees.

Football good for society

Duong Minh Da, director of the Sports and Physical Training Centre of District 12, said football playing has developed strongly in the district for over one year.

“There are around 70 amateur football teams in our district. They practice often and organize friendly tournaments,” Da said.

Vo Van Diep, chairman of Cay Sop Football Club, said 70 children between 7-11 years old are being trained at his club. The club’s four mini and two large football grounds are always occupied, attracting hundreds of people of various social classes.

Le Quang Cu, chief of a security team in Hoa Thanh ward, Tan Phu district, said that since three mini football grounds opened in the ward, crime has dropped.

VietNamNet/Tuoi Tre