Việt Nam U16 players in a training session in Hà Nội. They will compete at the UEFA Friendship Tournament in Riva, on April 9-19.

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam U16 Women’s National Team will leave for Turkey for the upcoming eight-team UEFA Friendship Tournament in Riva, on April 9.

The April 9-19 event features eight teams, divided into two groups. Việt Nam are in Group A with the USA, Botswana and the hosts. Group B includes Uganda, China, Wales and Paraguay.

All matches will be played at Turkey’s TFF Riva Facility, the federation’s National Training Centre.

On April 18, all the teams will play a placement match based on the final group standings, with the first-place team in Group A facing the first-place team in Group B for the championship, the two second-place finishers squaring off for third place, the third-place finishers in the groups meeting for fifth place and the fourth-place finishers playing for seventh.

Players born on or after January 1, 2008, are age-eligible for this cycle. 

These matches will mark the first-ever games for a Vietnamese team against three rivals.

On April 8, Việt Nam Football Federation officials, Vice President Trần Anh Tú and General Secretary Dương Nghiệp Khôi made a visit to encourage the team.

Tú said players should play confidently with high determination despite the strength of their rivals. 

In preparation for the tournament, coach Akira Ijiri and his players have practised for three weeks in Hà Nội.

“Having a chance to compete abroad, especially against strong rivals, will be a good experience for young players," said Ijiri.

"Along with technique, players must have good physique to help them earn high results.  At age of U16, it is time for them to improve their strength. Based on their statistics, I will pick the best ones for the tournament."

The UEFA Women’s U16 Development Tournament is not just a competition; it’s a platform for young talents to learn, grow and showcase their abilities.

It serves as a testament to UEFA’s dedication to fostering young talent across the globe, ensuring the future of women’s football is bright and competitive. VNS