The central province of Thua Thien-Hue launched a Norwegian-funded women’s football club on November 1.

The club, attracting more than 100 young players so far, is sponsored by the “Football for All in Vietnam” (FFAV) project, which is implemented by the Football Association of Norway (NFF).

FFAV Director Anders Krystad said the project aims to develop the football skills of disadvantaged children aged between six and 15. Playing sport improves children’s soft skills and helps them grow physically and mentally.

So far, the project has only been implemented at primary and junior high schools. FFAV managers signed an agreement with the Norwegian women’s football club LSK Kvinner to help older players continue pursuing their passion at the newly established club.

In 2014 and 2015, the NFF plans to support Thua Thien-Hue with more than 1 billion VND (over 47,600 USD) to help the province promote the capacity of social protection centres’ staff to coach football and teach soft skills, set up football clubs at the centres, and build a community-based football development model.-VNA