The 21st Dong Nai U11 Children’s Football Tournament - Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television - C.P. Vietnam Cup: Marking 21 years of nurturing childhood dreams

Amid the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, where academic pressures and the rapid expansion of digital technology are increasingly limiting children’s opportunities for outdoor recreation, one enduring flame of passion has continued to burn brightly every summer in Dong Nai for more than two decades: the U11 Children’s Football Tournament.

In 2026, the 21st Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television – C.P. Vietnam Children’s Football Tournament (U11) once again affirms its position as one of the most meaningful grassroots sporting events for children and an indispensable part of summer in Dong Nai.

Cao Quoc Sang, Deputy Director in charge of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, speaks at the meeting on the organization of the 21st U11 Children's Football Tournament - Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television - C.P. Vietnam Cup 2026.

To provide insights into preparations for this year’s tournament and its new features, Cao Quoc Sang, Deputy Director in charge of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television and Head of the Organizing Board, shared his thoughts on the event’s journey and significance.

*  The tournament was first launched in 2003 and has been held continuously for more than two decades. Now entering its 21st edition, how do you reflect on its development and lasting values?

- For those of us who inherited the responsibility of organizing the tournament from previous generations of Dong Nai journalists and sports administrators, 21 years is far more than a number. It represents a proud and meaningful journey.

What I value most is the unwavering support the tournament has received from students, parents, schools, and local communities throughout the years.

The competition has become a keeper of childhood memories for generations of children in Dong Nai. Many former participants who once played barefoot on the field now return with their own children and relatives to take part. That trust from society is our greatest reward. For more than two decades, we have remained committed to maintaining a “clean”, healthy sporting environment where thousands of young players can compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play.

* Many people view school sports tournaments simply as summer activities, but in reality this competition has helped discover numerous football talents. How do you see its role in youth development?

- This tournament is truly one of the foundations of Dong Nai’s school sports movement. Beyond providing children with a healthy and enjoyable summer activity, it offers valuable opportunities to develop skills, gain experience, and build confidence. Over the years, many young players have demonstrated exceptional talent here before progressing to youth teams and professional football academies. However, the goal of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, and the coordinating units (the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism) is not to turn all children into professional players. The greater mission is to spread the spirit of "healthy to study, train, and develop" through football, building a generation of dynamic, confident, and ambitious children in Dong Nai.

"The tournament is primarily funded by social mobilization, combined with a portion of the state budget. For accompanying businesses, especially C.P. Vietnam Livestock Joint Stock Company, we appreciate their contributions to the younger generation. "The social responsibility of businesses has greatly elevated the nutritional conditions, attire, and organizational quality of the tournament. Through this, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television sincerely hope to continue receiving the close attention and coordination from local leaders at all levels, schools, and especially parents. Let's work together to create a truly meaningful, safe, and brilliant summer 2026 for our children."

Deputy Director in charge of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio-Television Cao Quoc Sang

* Reports indicate that preparations for the 21st edition began as early as 2025. Could you elaborate on the implementation process?

- Absolutely. To ensure professionalism and careful planning, we began consulting relevant departments and agencies on October 30, 2025. A press conference announcing the tournament was held on November 11, 2025, followed by the signing of a coordination plan among participating organizations in December.

This year, 40 teams representing wards and communes across Dong Nai City have registered for the competition. The teams will be divided into eight qualifying groups, each consisting of five teams. Qualifying matches are scheduled to take place from June through early July 2026. A draw and pre-finals press conference will follow in July, after which the 16 best teams will advance to the city-level finals. The final round will be held in August at the Dong Nai City Sports Training and Competition Center.

* A notable point in this year's tournament regulations is the rule regarding participants. Could you elaborate on the personnel standards for participating in this year's football tournament to ensure its school-level movement nature?

- Regarding participants, the tournament is open to all elementary school students studying at public and non-public schools in the city in the 2025-2026 school year. The specific age requirement is children born in 2016 or later, with each team allowed to add a maximum of three athletes born in 2015. Participants must have educational results rated as "completed" or higher and be physically fit to compete.

In particular, to ensure fairness in a grassroots tournament, athletes under contract to professional clubs or sports gifted schools will not be allowed to participate. We say no to the achievement disease. For a tournament to remain firmly established for 21 years, the "rules of the game" must be transparent, and fair play must be enforced from the beginning.

* As the lead organizer, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television carries significant logistical responsibilities. What support is being provided to the young athletes?

- Beyond managing tournament funding, awards, trophies, medals, and media coverage, our primary concern is the well-being of the children. This year, the organizing board will provide standardized uniforms for all teams, drinking water throughout the competition, and compulsory medical insurance for every participant. Medical teams, ambulances, and security personnel will be on standby throughout the tournament to ensure the highest level of safety.

* Besides the intense matches on the field, what special sideline activities does this year's tournament have to truly make it a complete cultural festival for the children?

- This is the innovative and highly educational feature of the 21st season. The Organizing Board has planned for all 16 teams that reach the final round to offer incense and visit the Tran Bien Temple of Literature Relic Site. This occasion is an opportunity for the children to learn about the tradition of studiousness and the cultural roots of their homeland, Dong Nai. In addition, we will invite famous coaches and players to promote, interact, and directly inspire the children. The children will be arranged to attend top-tier matches or interact directly with professional players from Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Football Club. We want to ignite a flame of aspiration in their hearts, so they can see that the dream of becoming a professional player is entirely within reach if they strive to train hard starting today.

By Huu Trung – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho