Nestlé MILO Extends Backing for Vietnam’s U11 National Football Championship
Nestlé MILO has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development in Vietnam by continuing its long-standing sponsorship of the National U11 Football Championship. The 2024 edition, organised by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Nestlé MILO in coordination with Tien Phong Newspaper, aims to nurture young sporting talent and reinforce the values of sportsmanship and active lifestyles.
Running from May to July, the championship will feature 36 youth football teams competing across six regional groups, with the eight best-performing squads advancing to the national finals. This year marks Nestlé MILO’s seventh consecutive year as the event’s title sponsor, highlighting its dedication to promoting grassroots sports and physical education across Vietnam.
The championship plays a vital role in Vietnam’s sports ecosystem, serving as a feeder system for national youth squads and offering early competitive exposure for talented athletes. Over the years, it has helped discover numerous players who have gone on to represent Vietnam at higher levels, reinforcing the importance of early-stage support in talent identification and development.
Through this partnership, Nestlé MILO is advancing its “Active Vietnam” programme, which has reached over 6 million Vietnamese children with physical activity initiatives over the past decade. The initiative is part of a broader push by the brand to instil life values like perseverance, teamwork, and discipline among the country’s youth. This aligns with the government’s aspiration to enhance physical activity among school-aged children as outlined in the national education and public health agendas.
Nguyen Minh Tam, CEO of Nestlé Vietnam, emphasised the brand’s long-term vision: “We are proud to contribute to building a generation of resilient and active Vietnamese children. Through sports, children not only build physical strength but also essential life skills that equip them for the future.”
The growing integration of corporate sponsorship into national youth sports development speaks volumes about the potential for FMCG brands to create deeper consumer engagement while supporting societal goals. As health and wellness become key priorities for Vietnamese families, initiatives like the U11 Championship position MILO as more than just a beverage brand—it is a key player in fostering healthier, more active communities.