SHB FC – A memorable journey in Singapore and the aspiration to spread the spirit of Vietnamese football

Three days of competition with 6 fiery matches, hundreds of moments that made fans' hearts flutter -SHB FC's journey to the semi-finals at Soccer7sSeries Singapore 2025 is a memorable milestone, not only for the orange team but also for Vietnamese 7-a-side football, which is on the way to international integration. As the only representative of Vietnam competing in the tournament gathering 26 strong teams from all over Asia, Europe, and South America, SHB FC has affirmed its position and ability to compete with its heart, mind, and uncompromising spirit.

SHB FC is not a national professional club. They are a team born from the love of football in the heart of SHB Bank - where sports are not only a community activity, but also a connecting flame, fostering corporate culture. Armed with faith and solidarity, SHB FC steps into the international arena without fear, ready to compete with any opponent, from strong representatives of Singapore such as Albirex Niigata, to names from England, Brazil and Thailand.

Not a few difficulties

Right from the personnel registration stage, the team faced a big challenge when the international tournament schedule completely overlapped with domestic tournaments such as HPL S12 and VPL S6. Organizing the squad, adding players, training, and preparing tactics had to take place in an extremely short time. Moreover, the competition format in Singapore is completely different from the tournament system in Vietnam: a large 90x55m field, a goal frame according to the 11-player standard, a high competition density and high intensity requiring physical endurance and extremely quick adaptability.

But in that difficult time, SHB FC still maintained a spirit: we are not only a bank team, but also a representative face of Vietnam. And it is this sense of responsibility that has become the glue that binds the players together, helping them to play explosively with all their enthusiasm and national pride. The team leader, Deputy General Director Do Duc Hai and the coaching staff always motivate the whole team to move forward, unite, be unanimous and give their all.

Two wins – two draws – semi-final exit after golden goal rule

A result that does not bring a title, but carries the value of belief, dedication and noble sportsmanship. SHB FC played with a warm heart and a cool head. They did not back down, even when facing clubs that were stronger in terms of physical strength, expertise or international experience.

The admiration for SHB FC does not come from the scoreboard, but from the inspirational plays. It was Hoi Xoay’s long-range shot that made the whole stadium explode. It was Dat Chich’s tricky solo and then sharp shot that made the opposing defense stand still; or Tu Giang Nguyen Cong’s backheel without turning his head like an impromptu symphony. It was goalkeeper Hung Esele’s diving saves like a “spider-man”, and Tuan Dong Tam’s fearless fighting spirit in defense.

None of them are professional football stars. But they are heroes in the eyes of Vietnamese audiences, and are beautiful images of a confident, courageous, disciplined, and emotional Vietnam.

SHB FC – A journey from heart to heart

Behind that team is a very unique sports philosophy of SHB - a bank that always considers people as the center, taking comprehensive physical - mental - community development as its core value. SHB does not invest in football in the direction of "winning at all costs", but builds SHB FC to spread human values through sports: connecting - bonding - inspiring.

The special thing about SHB FC is that they are not built according to the model of “hiring players to play in the tournament”, but are a collective of bank employees, people who work together, live together, and now play together. They come to football not for bonuses, not for contracts, but for the love of football and the pride of representing their own unit, for the colors of Vietnam.

At SHB FC, each match is an emotional journey. Sportsmanship is not only shown on the field, but also in everyday stories, in the sharing between teammates, in the eyes of fans and in every cheer from home.

7-a-side football – From grassroots to international stature

If 7-a-side football was previously considered a grassroots playground, SHB FC's journey in Singapore has proven that 7-a-side football can reach the international level. With a fast, tactical format, close to amateur players but no less professional, 7-a-side football is becoming a new trend globally. Tournaments such as VPL in Vietnam or Soccer7sSeries in Singapore have been taking this sport beyond the limits of the grassroots movement and into the professional corridor.

The fact that a team from a Vietnamese commercial bank can compete on par with representatives from England, Brazil, Singapore, etc. is a clear demonstration of the maturity of Vietnamese 7-a-side football. And SHB FC has created an important spiritual boost for other grassroots football teams to dare to dream bigger and think further.

Faith follows faith

SHB FC will not stop after this tournament. They will return – with more thorough preparation, a more cohesive squad and an even stronger determination. Because behind them is not only SHB Bank, but also millions of hearts that love football, a Vietnamese spirit that always strives for good values – solidarity, sharing and constantly reaching out to the world .

The journey from the dressing room in Hanoi to the pitch in Singapore has opened a new door – not only for SHB FC but also for a generation of 7-a-side football players. The door of integration, of belief, of limitless dreams. And one day, perhaps not far away, 7-a-side football will become an official national tournament, included in the SEA Games or many other regional sports events around the world.

Football – after all – is not just about goals or trophies. It is about emotions. It is about aspirations. It is about how people connect and spread positive values. And in that, SHB FC has fulfilled a great mission.

They played with all their passion. They lived every move. And they spread the Vietnamese sports spirit – in the most beautiful, brilliant and proud way.

Source: https://www.shb.com.vn/shb-fc-hanh-trinh-dang-nho-tai-singapore-va-khat-vong-lan-toa-tinh-than-bong-da-viet/