Football serves as a common language for teenagers from Vietnam and China, helping to build cross-border friendships during a youth sports exchange program held in Da Nang, Vietnam, according to the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organizations. The program brought together under-13 and under-14 players from China’s Shaanxi province and students from Vietnamese secondary schools for matches, joint physical education sessions, and cultural tours.
Youth Football Exchange Matches at Chi Lang Stadium
Four friendly matches took place on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 at Chi Lang Stadium in Da Nang, bringing together visiting players and local youth teams. Huynh Thi Thanh An, vice president of the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organizations, said the exchange focused heavily on sportsmanship rather than just the final scores.
“It is not just about the score, but also the spirit of fair play, respect, shaking hands, and new friendships after every match,” Huynh Thi Thanh An said while receiving the delegation.
Delegation Activities Across Da Nang and Shaanxi Schools
The visiting delegation consisted of students from a secondary school affiliated with Shaanxi Normal University in China. During their stay, the young athletes participated in joint physical education and school football activities with students from Trung Vuong Secondary School and Nguyen Thien Thuat Secondary School in Da Nang.
The delegation also played a match against students from Nguyen Thien Thuat Secondary School and met with coaches at the SHB Da Nang Youth Football Training Center to discuss youth training methods and elite sports cooperation.
Cultural Excursions in Central Vietnam
Beyond the sports pitches, the itinerary included cultural and tourist excursions across Da Nang and neighboring Hoi An. The visiting students and staff toured the Da Nang Museum, Linh Ung Pagoda, the Marble Mountains, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Khe Beach, and the Dragon Bridge.
Matches Build Foundation for Educational Partnerships
Organizers stated that the initiative aims to strengthen ties between Vietnamese and Chinese youth while opening avenues for long-term municipal cooperation between Da Nang and Shaanxi province. Huynh Thi Thanh An expressed hope that the matches would serve as a foundation for broader educational initiatives, including future school partnerships and teacher-student exchange programs.
