SLNA Club (Song Lam Nghe An) and Mito Hollyhock Club recently held a meeting to discuss their collaboration in the realms of professional football and commercial development. The meeting, which took place on May 31, was attended by representatives from both clubs, as well as Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan, President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), and Mr. Nguyen Minh Ngoc, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF).
The representatives emphasized the shared football culture and traditions between SLNA and Mito Hollyhock, which present numerous opportunities for collaboration in areas such as youth training, community football, and commercial ventures. Mito Hollyhock, known for its stable income from football, expressed its willingness to share its experience in football commercial development with SLNA.
Mr. Truong Manh Linh, General Director and CEO of SLNA, stated, "We aim to further enhance SLNA's youth training program to elevate the club's stature. Mito Hollyhock will provide experts and coaches to train and enhance the expertise of SLNA's staff. Going forward, we envision player exchanges between SLNA and Mito Hollyhock, allowing both teams to learn from each other's playing styles. We are also keen to learn from Mito Hollyhock's football management model."
Both clubs also expressed their desire for their youth training academies, including U15 and U17 teams, to engage in exchange programs and training trips. These initiatives aim to provide players with valuable learning opportunities, serving as a solid foundation for their professional football careers.
SLNA's collaboration with Mito Hollyhock follows in the footsteps of Saigon FC, another Vietnamese club that has formed partnerships with Japanese teams. Saigon FC previously sent several players to compete in the J3 League, and one of them, Bui Ngoc Long, made a significant impact. After his stint with Azul Claro Numazu, Bui Ngoc Long returned to Vietnam and was subsequently called up by coach Philippe Troussier to join the U23 Vietnam squad in preparation for the 32nd SEA Games.
The partnership between SLNA and Mito Hollyhock signifies a promising step forward in the development of Vietnamese football. The exchange of knowledge, expertise, and player opportunities between the two clubs is expected to contribute to the growth and success of both organizations, as well as elevate the overall standard of football in Vietnam.
