Football 

A draw for the national second football division is organised on March 4 in Hà Nội. Photo courtesy of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Kon Tum and SHB Đà Nẵng's youth team will play in the opening match of the national second football division's group A on March 28.

The Việt Nam Football Federation conducted a draw for the tournament on March 4. The tournament gathers 14 teams divided into two groups.

They will compete in the two-leg round robin qualification round from March 28 to June 10. The two best teams of each group will advance to the semi-finals on June 17. Winners of the semi-finals will secure VNĐ200 million (US$8,600) each and places in the V.League 2 next season.

"The second division is the highest level of the non-professional football system of Việt Nam. It plays important role in finding the best teams for the V.League 2," said Nguyễn Minh Châu, VFF Depute General Secretary.

"It is a playing ground for amateur players and clubs, helping develop the football movement in localities and giving players opportunities to sharpen their skills. VFF believes that with the serious investment and preparation of the clubs, the tournament will be competitive and high quality to attract many supporters, contributing to the development of Vietnamese football. VNS