Parents nurture their children's passion for football

The 21st Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television – C.P. Vietnam Children’s Football Tournament 2026 provides a meaningful platform for young football enthusiasts to pursue their love of the game.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc (Binh Loc Ward) always accompanies her child during training sessions and matches. Photo: An Nhon

Behind every sprint across the pitch stands a parent quietly supporting their child, sacrificing time and effort to help them follow their dreams.

Accompanying children on their journey to maturity

Nguyen Thi Ha, a resident of Trang Dai Ward, has an 11-year-old son named Nguyen Vu. More than three years ago, after noticing his love of football, she enrolled him in training at a club near their home so he could receive proper instruction. Since then, Ha has seen many positive changes in her son. No longer suffering from colds, coughs, and runny noses as often as before, Vu has become healthier, more agile, and more confident. More importantly, football has helped him develop discipline, learn to manage his study and daily routines properly, and understand the value of teamwork.

“Since joining football training, Vu has become much more active. He is more conscious about maintaining his health and understands the importance of contributing to the team. Even after a tiring day at school, he prepares his gear and heads to practice on his own. What I value most is that he has learned discipline and responsibility,” Ha said.

The family’s joy grew even greater when Vu was selected for the Trang Dai U11 team competing in this year’s tournament. For more than a month, regardless of rain or shine, Ha has rearranged her work schedule to take him to training sessions. While Vu practices, she quietly watches from the sidelines before taking him home afterward.

As a self-employed trader, Ha enjoys greater flexibility with her schedule. For her, accompanying her son is not an obligation but a source of happiness. “I’m delighted to see my son enjoy football. Sports help him spend less time on electronic devices and improve his health for studying. I’m not focused on whether he becomes a professional footballer. What matters most is that he maintains his love for the sport, learns discipline, values teamwork, and grows into a responsible person,” she said.

A similar story comes from Nguyen Van Toan of Tan Trieu Ward. Around four years ago, he noticed that his two sons were spending excessive time watching television and using mobile phones. To encourage a healthier lifestyle, he adjusted his business schedule to take them to play football every afternoon. Those casual football sessions helped him discover his sons’ natural talent. He subsequently enrolled them in a football club for professional training.

In 2024, his elder son, Nguyen Tran Hoang Minh, was selected for the U11 team of the former Vinh Cuu District to compete in the 20th Dong Nai Newspaper – C.P. Vietnam Children’s Football Tournament. This year, the family’s pride continued when his younger son, Nguyen Tran An Khang, earned a place on the Tan Trieu Ward U11 team.

For more than a month, Toan has been by his son’s side throughout tournament preparations. From transportation and nutrition to emotional support before each training session, he has done everything possible to ensure his son remains in peak condition. “For now, I want my children to play sports to improve their health and support their studies. If they later decide to pursue football professionally, our family will fully support them,” Toan said.

Quiet acts of love

Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc of Binh Loc Ward, mother of player Doan Anh Kiet of the Binh Loc U11 team, said her son has loved football since he was six years old. Even before receiving formal training, Kiet regularly played football with friends and older children near their home.

Recognizing his passion, the family has always encouraged him to pursue the sport. “Sports have brought many positive changes to Kiet. He is healthier, more confident, more energetic, and has made many friends,” Truc said.

Throughout the month-long preparation period, she has made every effort to ensure her son attends every training session. Before each practice, she prepares drinking water and personal items and reminds him about punctuality and discipline. One of her strongest memories involves occasions when coaches strictly corrected her son during training. “At first, I felt sorry for him. But I understand that coaches do it to help the children improve. What makes me happy is seeing him listen, reflect, and work even harder afterward,” she shared.

While young players fight for their team's colors on the field, parents also quietly contribute from the sidelines. Nguyen Van Toan regularly prepares drinking water for the players and even uses his own money to support the Tan Trieu U11 team with uniforms. “We do whatever we can. Some parents provide drinks, others remind the children to eat properly and on time, while some offer encouragement before matches. Everything comes from our love for the children and our desire to help the team perform at its best,” he said.

Similarly, Truc often brings orange juice or lemonade for her son to share with teammates after training sessions. “Through these small gestures, I want my son to better understand the spirit of teamwork and sharing in football,” she explained.

According to Ta Van Chien, head coach of the Binh Loc U11 team, parents play a particularly important role in the development of young athletes. Over the years, he has witnessed countless moving stories of parental love and sacrifice. “The image that stays with me most is Kiet’s mother. Even on days of heavy rain, the two of them still arrived at the training ground on time. It was more than just football practice—it was a demonstration of a mother’s love and commitment to her child’s dream,” Chien said.

He emphasized that cooperation between parents and coaching staff is crucial in guiding children’s development. “Coaches help children improve their skills, discipline, and team spirit, while families provide the emotional foundation that sustains motivation and shapes character. When parents and coaches share the same goals and support one another, children develop more comprehensively. They learn not only football skills but also courtesy, responsibility, perseverance, and the determination to overcome challenges,” he said.

Most parents accompanying the teams regard the Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television – C.P. Vietnam Children’s Football Tournament as a highly meaningful and beneficial event for young people. The competition offers opportunities for children to interact, learn, and improve their football skills in a healthy environment. Beyond football, the tournament helps participants cultivate discipline, resilience, and teamwork. As a result, many parents hope the event will continue to grow and inspire future generations in the years ahead.

By An Nhon – Translated by Mai Nga, Minh