Sowing World Cup dreams from childhood summers

Following about a month of lively matches, the "Dream on the Pitch" HTV Cup 2026 – the Ho Chi Minh City Youth and Children's Football Tournament – ended with U13 Vung Tau Ward and U11 An Phu Ward claiming the titles. In addition to giving hundreds of kids a memorable summer, the tournament fostered grand ambitions, spanning from schoolyard pitches to far-reaching goals.

After nearly a month of competition, the Ho Chi Minh City Youth and Children's Football Tournament "Dream on the Grass" HTV Cup 2026 officially concluded with emotional finals at Thành Long Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City) on the morning of July 12.

The first two championships of the tournament were captured by U13 Vung Tau Ward and U11 An Phu Ward, wrapping up a vibrant summer for the city's school football scene.

The champion received a prize of 50 million VND, the runner-up received 30 million VND, and the third-place team received 20 million VND.

In the U13 final, Vung Tau Ward overcame Phu Thanh Ward to claim the title after a steady, composed, and team-spirited campaign. Meanwhile, U11 An Phu Ward asserted their strength by defeating Phu My Ward to ascend to the top spot.

Beyond the titles, the most lasting impression was the sight of young players giving their all, respecting opponents, playing fair, and enjoying the joy of football together. From nearly 80 teams in the qualifiers to the final matches, the tournament truly became a festival for Ho Chi Minh City's youth and children during the summer break.

The tournament was organized by HTV in coordination with the Department of Culture and Sports, the Department of Education and Training, the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, and the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation for the first time after the city expanded its administrative boundaries, bringing together U11 andU13from various communes, wards, and special zones.

Not only a sports playground,"Dream on the Grass"also aims to build a healthy environment for children to develop physical fitness, life skills, teamwork, and nurture a love for football.

The message "Every football field is a classroom" was clearly demonstrated throughout the tournament. Each match not only helped the children improve their football skills but also taught them how to overcome pressure, accept failure, share with teammates, and confidently pursue their dreams.

In particular, the tournament took place at a time when the global football atmosphere was focused on the 2026 World Cup. Although the distance from school fields to the biggest football festival on Earth is still vast, every professional player's journey begins with childhood tournaments like this.

Journalist Truong Thanh Phong, Deputy General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Radio and Television, Head of the Organizing Committee, stated that the most gratifying outcome is not only finding champions but also creating an environment for children to exercise, socialize, learn, and grow through each match, while also bonding families through their love of football.

Football expert Doan Minh Xuong hopes that the Ho Chi Minh City Youth and Children's Football Tournament - HTV Cup will continue to be maintained annually by HTV in coordination with various departments, agencies, the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation, and businesses, providing a playground for children and discovering young talents for local football.