National team midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai (centre) poses for photos with young footballers at the press conference for the U13 Yamaha Cup. The tournament will be held from August 24 to October 6. Photo courtesy of organizers

Thirty-four teams will compete in the qualifiers for the 13th edition of the tournament from August 24 to September 22 in the provinces of An Giang, Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Tien Giang. Can Tho will host the finals on October 5 and 6.

The teams will be divided into four groups competing in a knock-out format. The winning team will join the hosts and an invited team from HCM City in the finals.

The champions will walk away with a bonus of VND50 million (US$2,200). The runners-up will take VND25 million and VND15 million, respectively.

"With the desire to work for the realisation of the young generation’s dream and grow future talents for Vietnamese football, Yamaha Motor Viet Nam, has sponsored many football tournaments for youths," said Kawano Toshiya, general director of Yamaha Motor Viet Nam.

The Yamaha Cup was first held in 2003 and has nurtured many Vietnamese football talents including national team midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, who will be present at the tournament to share with children his experiences and love for football.

"I and some other players such as defenders Do Duy Manh and Tran Dinh Trong took part in the Cup in the past. I believe that it played a key part of my football life, encouraging me to pursue it as career," said Hai, who was named the most valuable player in the tournament in 2008 and 2010.

VNS