European training for Vietnam football talents

The Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation has become the key sponsor of a strategic cooperation program to develop young football talents in Vietnam.

The program was signed in Hanoi Thursday by ACA Football Partners (ACAFP), Vietnam Cable TV Corporation (VTVcab) and Vietnam Football Talents Promotion company Ltd. (PVF).

Singapore-headquartered ACAFP, owner of Belgian club KMSK Deinze, will select young PVF wards for internships to gain experience in the European football world.

Speaking at the program’s signing ceremony, Phat Dat CEO Bui Quang Anh Vu said the firm and millions of football fans in Vietnam had high regard of young talents.

“With this program by ACAFP, we hope Vietnam will soon have stars who don’t just possess football skills, but are also good, virtuous people. The training of young talents is the foundation of football and needs cooperation from sides. Phat Dat is honored to participate in the program and help Vietnamese football,” he said.

ACAFP CEO Hiroyuki Ono said the agency was honored to cooperate with Phat Dat, adding that collaboration with a strong firm would aid the agency in running the program.

This would be the first time Vietnamese footballers can train professionally in Europe in a systematic manner to international standards. The program will help Vietnam train many young talents and boost national football standards.

The ACAFP has also participated in producing the “Rising Star” show - an original documentary series that follows talented players from Vietnamese academies as they travel to Europe and take on the challenge of achieving their dreams.

The series can be seen on VTV’s cable system and ACAFP’s video streaming service “PlaysiaTV”.