Hanoi’s Nguyen Cong Cuong, 17, has won a one-year scholarship to the world famous football club, Liverpool (UK), after he won first prize at the “Vietnam’s Football Prince” contest on May 28.

Hanoi’s Nguyen Cong Cuong, 17, has won a one-year scholarship to the world famous football club, Liverpool (UK), after he won first prize at the “Vietnam’s Football Prince” contest on May 28.

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The winner Nguyen Cong Cuong, 17, from Hanoi.

Dong Thap’s Nguyen Anh Tu and Binh Thuan’s Nguyen Vu Truong Giang, the two second prize winners, will be trained at Sheffield United Club for one month. Football experts will choose one for a one-year training course.

“Vietnam’s Football Prince” kicked off last December 2009 in HCM City, Can Tho, Hanoi, Da Nang and Buon Me Thuot. More than 3000 contestants from 17-19 years old took part in the contest. Coach Steve Brown, former halfback of Northampton club, and the organizing board selected the top five contestants for the final round on May 28 in Long An.

“My biggest worry is my English so I can learn about football in Britain. One year is not long, so I will try my best. I hope that what I will learn in Liverpool will help me become a professional football player,” commented the first prize winner, Hoang Cong Cuong.

Apart from football skills, five contestants in the final round had to endure severe challenges like soaking themselves in frozen water, going mountaineering, learning circus acrobatics, hip-hop dancing and ballet.

“Vietnam’s Football Prince” is jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Tan Tao Group, Vietnam Media Company and VBC television channel. The total bonus is GBP120,000.

PV