HA NOI — The National Women's Football Championships will kick off on April 10 with a clash between hosts HCM City and defending champions Ha Noi Trang An 1 at Thong Nhat Stadium.

The six-team tournament will be organised in a round robin format.

"After 14 years, the tournament has proved its importance to the development of women's football, which has led to regional and international achievements," said Nguyen Lan Trung, deputy chairman of the Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF). The winners will bring home the trophy and VND200 million (US$9,500) in prize money, while the two runners-up will receive VND150 million and VND100 million, respectively.

The organisers are also offering cash prizes for best player, top scorer, best goalkeeper and fair-play.

At a press briefing yesterday in Ha Noi, the VFF also announced that Thai Son Bac would be the main sponsor of the annual event.

"For years, Vietnamese women have achieved more than the men, but have failed to catch the eye of sponsors," said Bui Dinh Te, director of the electrical company.

"Thai Son Bac has decided to get involved in the tournament for the next three years to promote women's football. We hope that with our help, they will achieve much more in the future," Te added. — VNS