National team midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải (centre) poses for photos with young footballers at the press conference for the U13 Yamaha Cup. The tournament will be held from August 24 to October 6. Photo courtesy of organisers

HÀ NỘI The U13 Yamaha Cup football tournament will return to the country later this month after two years of absence.

Thirty-four teams will compete in the qualifiers for the 13th edition of the tournament from August 24 to September 22 in the provinces of An Giang, Gia Lai, Đắk Lắk and Tiền Giang. Cần Thơ will host the finals on October 5 and 6.

The teams will be divided into four groups competing in a knock-out format. The winning team will join the hosts and an invited team from HCM City in the finals.

The champions will walk away with a bonus of VNĐ50 million (US$2,200). The runners-up will take VNĐ25 million and VNĐ15 million, respectively.

"With the desire to work for the realisation of the young generation’s dream and grow future talents for Vietnamese football, Yamaha Motor Việt Nam, has sponsored many football tournaments for youths," said Kawano Toshiya, general director of Yamaha Motor Việt Nam.

The Yamaha Cup was first held in 2003 and has nurtured many Vietnamese football talents including national team midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải, who will be present at the tournament to share with children his experiences and love for football.

"I and some other players such as defenders Đỗ Duy Mạnh and Trần Đình Trọng took part in the Cup in the past. I believe that it played a key part of my football life, encouraging me to pursue it as career," said Hải, who was named the most valuable player in the tournament in 2008 and 2010. VNS