The players compete in the youth football tournament of Bá Thước commune.
The strong development of grassroots football is reflected in the diversity of participants. Not only young people, but also many officials, civil servants, businesspeople, and workers regularly participate in tournaments. Many localities even organize football tournaments for teenagers, children, former players, or middle-aged people. Each match is not simply a sporting activity but an opportunity for people to socialize, connect, share, and build a spirit of solidarity within the community.
Mr. Tran Ngoc Hung, from Ham Rong ward, a member of FC Anh Em 36, shared: “The FC has been established for 7 years, with over 40 members of various ages and professions. Following a fixed schedule for matches, members proactively arrange their work to maintain regular training and competition. Besides playing football together, we often participate in football tournaments organized by local authorities and organizations to socialize and learn from fellow enthusiasts.”
Despite his busy schedule as Secretary of the Youth Union of Ba Thuoc commune, Lo Tuan Nam regularly plays football every week and actively organizes tournaments to connect young people in the commune with neighboring localities. Nam said: “Currently, Ba Thuoc commune has two artificial turf football fields, and about 80% of villages and neighborhoods have natural grass football fields, creating favorable conditions for people to participate in training and competition. The Youth Union also regularly organizes tournaments to encourage members and young people to improve their physical fitness, enhance their spiritual lives, and build a healthy, dynamic generation of young people ready to contribute to their homeland.”
The strong development of grassroots football has spurred the improvement of infrastructure serving the sport. Currently, the province has hundreds of artificial turf pitches invested in and licensed by organizations, individuals, and businesses, meeting the needs for training and playing 5-a-side, 7-a-side, and 11-a-side football. Most pitches are equipped with surrounding nets, drainage systems, and lighting, allowing for operation even at night. Along with the increase in infrastructure, the network of grassroots football clubs is also constantly expanding. The entire province currently has more than 450 clubs, ranging from village, neighborhood, commune, and ward teams to agencies, businesses, and organizations, attracting a large number of players of all ages. Many teams are well-organized, possessing quality players and attractive playing styles, contributing to improving the quality of tournaments and creating a vibrant football movement in the area.
One of the highlights of grassroots football today is the increasingly diverse system of tournaments in terms of scale and level of organization. Between 2020 and 2025, the province will host over 500 grassroots football tournaments annually. These tournaments typically last from 5 to 10 days, bringing together 6 to 16 teams, competing in a group stage, semi-final, and final format; each has its own referee team and strict match management. While previously grassroots football was largely spontaneous, it now receives more systematic investment in areas such as playing fields, medical care, security, and media coverage.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Son, Director of Thanh Hoa 7-a-side Football Company, said: “My company currently handles media coverage for about 15 amateur football matches a week. Matches from the group stage to the finals of major tournaments are livestreamed live on social media platforms with full commentary, score graphics, and slow-motion replays. This helps amateur players feel more enthusiastic about competing and attracts tens of thousands of viewers from all over.”
It is evident that grassroots football in Thanh Hoa is asserting its position as a bright spot in mass sports nationwide. This achievement is built upon the enduring passion of the people, innovation in organization, and the responsible support of the business community, contributing to making tournaments increasingly professional and attractive.
Mr. Pham Cam Hung, Vice President and General Secretary of the Thanh Hoa Football Federation, said: “The province's grassroots football is growing stronger with vibrant tournaments, becoming a highlight in the mass sports movement. However, for grassroots football to develop sustainably, it needs appropriate guidance. Local authorities must establish regulations for organizing tournaments that ensure a harmonious balance between entertainment, professionalism, and cultural identity; strengthen management, ensure security and order, and ensure competition safety; and continue to invest in and upgrade facilities, creating favorable conditions for people to practice and compete in sports. The Thanh Hoa Football Federation will continue to support localities and units in training and improving the professional capacity of officials, teachers, coaches, instructors, and referees in grassroots football. In addition, we will strengthen the establishment of football clubs in agencies, units, businesses, and communes and wards in the province; focusing on development.” Community football and school football; organizing and coordinating football tournaments at the provincial, commune, and ward levels.
Text and photos: Anh Tuan
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nbsp-lan-toa-manh-me-bong-da-phong-trao-291690.htm
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