Football 

VFF conducts a draw for the National U15 Football Championship on July 16 in Hà Nội. Photos of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Big matches will be featured in the group round of the National U15 Football Championship following a draw conducted on July 16 in Hà Nội.

The Việt Nam Football Federation officials took charge of the event which gathers top 12 teams who advanced from the recent qualifications.

The draw divided teams in three groups of four, competing on July 20 to August 1 in Hưng Yên Province. 

Powerhouse Hà Nội vs defending champions PVF in the Group B is considered an early final of the tournament. Other teams in this group are SHB Đà Nẵng and Tây Ninh.

Group A includes Đồng Tháp, Bình Phước, Thể Công-Viettel 1 and Kon Tum while Group C will witness a central region derby between Sông Lam Nghệ An and Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh along with thrilling matches with An Giang and Đắk Lắk.

Two top teams of each group and two best third-place squads after the round robin stage will advance to the quarter-finals.

The final is scheduled on August 1 and the champions will pocket VNĐ100 million. Two runners-up will earn VNĐ80 million and VNĐ50 million, respectively.

Outstanding players will be awarded VNĐ10 million.

Matches will be broadcast by VTVCab and live-streamed on VFF's social media platforms.

Last year, PVF beat Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu 4-1 to lift the triumph trophy. 

VFF announces Acecook Vietnam as sponsor of the tournament.

 Also at the event, VFF announced Acecook Vietnam as the main sponsor of the competition for the eighth year in a row.

Shimamura Masafumi, Marketing Director at Acecook Vietnam, said: "Through football, we want to contribute to nurturing the young generation, inspiring sports and spreading positive life values to the community.

"This is also our way of showing gratitude to Vietnamese consumers after 30 years of attachment and development with the country".

VFF General Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phú responded: "VFF appreciates the long-term and responsible companionship of Acecook Vietnam. This connection contributes to promoting the development of youth football in an increasingly professional and sustainable manner.” VNS