Thanh Nien’s National U-21 Championship 2008 kicks off today

All squads are well prepared, stocked with many good players from different localities, said Khe, who is also the chief of the contest’s organizing committee. Thanh Nien newspaper and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) had adjusted U-21 regulations this year to allow talents from non-qualifying teams to play for the eight squads in the championship.

The rule change will help coaches around the country to gauge players’ performances at U-21 to select Vietnam’s best U-22 squad to compete in the Southeast Asian Games in Laos next year.

Vietnam’s national football head coach Calisto said he has always placed high value on the U-21 competition and looks forward to selecting the best talents for the U-22 squad.

“Clean and fair play remains the norm of U.21 as the Thanh Nien–sponsored competition has grown into a renown brand over the last 11 years,” Khe said.

Khe also thanked Binh Dinh Province and Quy Nhon Town’s administrations in helping Thanh Nien newspaper to recruit sponsors.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh, vice chairwoman of Binh Dinh People’s Committee said she is happy to have the championship contest return to the province.

The recent success of the Tay Son – Binh Dinh Festival 2008 has brought much pride to locals and the province will strive to put on another memorable event with the hosting of the U-21 contest, Binh said.

Following the press conference, the organizing committee held a drawing to divide the eight squads into two groups. Group A comprised of Boss Binh Dinh, An Do An Giang, SHB Da Nang and Dong Nai, while Group B is made up of Khatoco Khanh Hoa, Huda Hue, HCMC Club and Dam Phu My Nam Dinh.

Football experts said both groups are quite equal in talent and all squads have a chance to advance deep into the tournament.

Reported by Quang Huy