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| Hue football fans at Tu Do stadium |
A pride not yet faded
For long-time lovers of Hue football, memories of Tu Do stadium are inseparable from their affection for the game. It was once a venue that witnessed emotional matches, where Hue spectators - though not explosively passionate - cheered with a rare persistence and loyalty. Hue football once had its standing, once mentioned as a distinctive presence on Vietnam’s football map.
Generations of Hue players brought unique emotions to the fans. Hue supporters grew accustomed to accompanying their team through both glorious days and difficult periods, and it was precisely this that forged a durable bond between the pitch and the stands. However, the fluctuations of professional football gradually pushed Hue into the background. Successive generations of players became fewer, and Tu Do stadium no longer regularly hosted football festivals.
As the V-League increasingly became a competition demanding substantial resources - from finance and governance to media - Hue football began to slow down. Seasons of promotion followed by relegation made fans familiar with the cycle of hope and disappointment. Yet, if one day Hue football finds its path again, Hue supporters - still with their characteristic quiet persistence - will once more fill the stands, reliving afternoons that are distinctly Hue, distinctly football.
A dream not easy to reach
The V-League is no longer a stage reserved solely for professional expertise. It is a convergence of money, branding, broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and relentless performance pressure. To survive in the V-League, a team must not only play well, but also remain financially and organizationally healthy off the pitch.
For Hue, this is the most difficult equation. Local economic resources are limited, and there are few enterprises ready to commit to long-term investment in football. Meanwhile, professional football does not allow half measures. A single failed season can trigger financial corollaries, personnel instability, and erosion of fan confidence.
As a result, the V-League dream of the people of Hue has repeatedly been placed under question: is it realistic, or merely a nostalgic aspiration? Yet, if one only looked at difficulties and overlooked the potential, Hue would not have been able to survive and develop for centuries as a distinctive cultural center of Vietnam.
To turn that dream into reality, Hue football needs a long-term and consistent strategy. First and foremost is youth training. Hue has a relatively systematic youth training structure from U11 to U21, but it lacks training grounds, facilities, and modern equipment. This limits the effectiveness of skill, physical, and tactical development among young players. Therefore, in addition to maintaining coaching quality, strong investment in training infrastructure is essential. At the same time, young players need opportunities to compete in high-level environments, preparing them thoroughly for the main team and heading them towards sustainable achievements in Hue football. More importantly, a clear development roadmap must be established, connecting youth teams to the senior squad so that players can see a pathway for progression and be equipped for long-term success.
Alongside this, the role of enterprises and local authorities is indispensable. Football cannot survive on pure passion alone. It requires clear support mechanisms, a transparent investment environment, and long-term vision. Corporate sponsorship is the key factor for sustainable football development. When businesses recognize the branding and community value that football brings, they will be willing to accompany it over the long term.
Local authorities also need to create favorable conditions in terms of facilities, legal frameworks, and incentive policies, so that corporate resources can be maximized. The combination of business investment and governmental support will help build a financially stable football foundation, improve youth training quality, organize professional competitions, and develop grassroots football within the community.
Also, fans must not be overlooked. Hue spectators are not loud, but they are loyal. A packed Tu Do stadium not only creates pressure on opponents, but also serves as a tremendous source of motivation for players. For Hue football to return to the V-League, it must first return to the hearts of the people of Hue.
The V-League dream of the people of Hue is built on the legitimate aspirations of a land rich in tradition. Yet it is not a dream that can be achieved through haste or unsustainable decisions.