Schoolyard joy sparks passion for sports

The path to professional sports for young talent Tran Phuc Duy Anh and national athletes Nguyen Thuy Linh and Pham Thi Hue all began with the joy of training from a young age.

Every afternoon after school, 12-year-old Duy Anh eagerly practices his soccer skills. He has been devoted to the sport for the past six years. From his early days training at a community club, to competing in the U9 and U11 Nestle Milo Cup, and recently joining the U13 Hai Phong team, Duy Anh has always found joy in his journey.

With a former soccer player for a father, Duy Anh grew up accompanying him to the field, nurturing a passion for the sport. "Soccer came to me very naturally," Duy Anh explains. "My family encouraged me to play to improve my health, but perhaps seeing my father's dedication inspired me to pursue it professionally." His father, Minh Hieu, adds, "We initially encouraged him to play for his well-being, but it seems his passion grew from watching me."

From a young age, Duy Anh has balanced soccer practice with his academic studies. The demanding schedule doesn't create pressure for him or his family. Instead, playing soccer is a source of endless joy, motivating him to pursue his dream of becoming a professional player.

"I love practicing and playing with my friends every day," Duy Anh says. "I've made new friends, become healthier, and am happier overall."

Duy Anh (in red) competes in the National Children's Football Tournament (U11) in 2024. Photo: NVCC

Duy Anh (in red) competes in the National Children's Football Tournament (U11) in 2024. Photo: NVCC

According to a report from the Department of Physical Education (now the Department of Students) under the Ministry of Education and Training, since 2024, over 95% of schools nationwide have implemented physical education programs, with 75% offering extracurricular sports activities. Over 70% of students participate in these activities. Many children express their enjoyment, citing the opportunity to be active, the attention from their parents, and the treats they receive, like milk or snacks, during practice.

From schoolyard fun to national representation

Many national athletes, like Nguyen Thuy Linh, Vietnam's current top badminton player, began their journeys much like Duy Anh, nurturing their passion from the simple joys of schoolyard sports. Linh recalls her childhood, when her grandfather would reward her with a bowl of sweet soup for skillful badminton play. "He kept raising the bar for how many times I could keep the shuttlecock in the air, which kept me motivated. He also took me to community tournaments, where I could play with other kids, further fueling my love for the sport," she reminisces.

Inspired by her grandfather's encouragement, Linh moved to Hanoi at the age of 10 to train. She won her first titles at the Hoi Khoe Phu Dong Games, a school sports competition that laid the foundation for her professional career.

Nguyen Thuy Linh during a match. Photo: NVCC

Nguyen Thuy Linh during a match. Photo: NVCC

Pham Thi Hue, a veteran rower for Vietnam who qualified for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, also embarked on her professional athletic journey fueled by the joy of training during her school years. She vividly remembers the thrill of winning her first medal at the Hoi Khoe Phu Dong Games. The joy came from the cheers of her friends, the encouraging words of her teachers and coaches, the new friendships forged at tournaments, and the familiar Milo truck where she could enjoy milk after competing. These experiences combined to transform sports from a simple pleasure into a true passion.

Hue chose rowing inspired by a powerful image: "Seeing the athletes rowing with such intense determination, I thought, 'I want to do that too.'"

Pham Thi Hue during a competition. Photo: NVCC

Pham Thi Hue during a competition. Photo: NVCC

Supporting sports passion from the schoolyard

For many, the athletic journey begins with childhood joy. However, transforming that joy into lasting motivation and maximizing individual potential requires support from various sources. Many Vietnamese parents readily support their children's pursuit of sports, recognizing the role of school sports in their overall development and the potential for professional opportunities.

Duy Anh's decision to pursue professional soccer involved careful consideration and the unwavering support of his family and teachers. "We're very fortunate to have such dedicated teachers supporting him. Even though we live far away, we always arrange to be there to cheer him on at every game," his mother shares.

In addition to the nutrition provided at the training center, Duy Anh's family ensures he receives extra care at home. From preparing balanced meals to small gestures like leaving a carton of Milo out for him in the afternoon, his parents strive to provide him with the energy he needs for training and the emotional support to pursue his passion.

Family support is also a cornerstone of professional athlete Pham Thi Hue's journey. "We only want her to be happy, to pursue her passion, and to become a valuable member of society," her mother says. "We always try to be there to cheer her on and support her during challenging times."

Beyond family, support from schools and the community plays a crucial role in helping children develop their athletic potential. In recent years, government agencies and businesses have increased investment in sports through various initiatives, creating opportunities for young people to develop physically and nurture their passion early on.

Doan Minh Xuong, Head of School Football at the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation, notes that youth soccer programs are being implemented consistently across the city. In 2024, the federation collaborated with the Japan Football Association to train coaches and provide international certifications, giving children access to advanced coaching methods.

Doan Minh Xuong, Head of School Football at the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation (right). Photo: NVCC

Doan Minh Xuong, Head of School Football at the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation (right). Photo: NVCC

Many businesses are also proactively investing in sports facilities, particularly for soccer. Nestle Milo, for instance, has been a long-time sponsor, providing fields, goals, balls, and uniforms to support children's training needs. Xuong views Nestle Milo's involvement not just as sponsorship, but as an investment in school sports, education, and society as a whole. "When children develop physical fitness, discipline, and willpower from a young age," he emphasizes, "we cultivate healthy, responsible citizens who may become future national athletes. That's the sustainable social value we're all working together to create."

For over 30 years, Nestle Milo has partnered with various organizations to build a rich school sports ecosystem, including the Hoi Khoe Phu Dong Games and tournaments in soccer, basketball, swimming, and Vovinam, all within the framework of the "Nang dong Viet Nam" (Dynamic Vietnam) program. The brand has also supported regional events like the SEA Games and global events like the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

These diverse platforms inspire enthusiasm, nurture passion, and cultivate perseverance, discipline, and resilience in children. Whether or not they pursue sports professionally, school sports provide valuable life lessons that will stay with them throughout their lives.

See more photos of families and society working together to nurture children's passion for sports:

Nestle Milo supports the Vietnamese sports delegation at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

Over 11,000 elementary school students in Binh Duong province perform a synchronized exercise on 12/12/2023, organized by the Binh Duong Department of Education and Training, the Vietnam Student Sports Association (Ministry of Education and Training), and Nestle Milo, setting a record for the "Largest synchronized exercise in Vietnam".