Fans Rally Behind Lam Dong Football

Braving the Rain and Cold to Cheer

More than thirty minutes before the opening match of the 2026/27 National First Division season at Da Lat Stadium, Nguyen Le Minh Triet (born in 1987) from Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward had already settled in the stands with his 10-year-old son to secure seats.

"This season has seen a lot of rain. The stadium is situated on elevated ground, making the wind quite strong and the temperatures drop. We needed to arrive early to find a spot for both of us to sit," Triet remarked, adjusting his raincoat over his son as a sudden downpour hit the stadium.

A local of Da Lat, Triet grew up in the city and returned after completing his university studies in Ho Chi Minh City. He reminisced about weekends spent watching Lam Dong football matches with his father during his childhood. Back then, Lam Dong was a participant in the top tier of Vietnamese football and was famously known as the "Highland Tornado." The stadium was situated right in the center of Da Lat at that time.

Those experiences have remained with him throughout the years. Now, he desires to take his own son to watch football, just as his father did for him.

According to Triet, affection for one’s birthplace can often stem from the most basic experiences — such as neighborhood life and childhood moments shared with parents or simply reveling in a football match together to cheer for the local team. These memories foster a stronger connection to one’s hometown.

"I usually organize my schedule to ensure I can take my son to watch football games, even those in the Second Division. Now that Lam Dong has made its way back to the First Division, it brings great happiness to people from Da Lat like myself," Triet expressed.

Similar to Triet, Pham Ngoc Loi, a 60-year-old resident of Cam Ly - Da Lat Ward, is an avid football enthusiast with a strong admiration for Lam Dong. He can reminisce about numerous generations of players who have donned the team's colors, such as Ba Tri, Duc Phuoc, Nguyen Ngoc Vinh, Pham Ngoc Tung, and Pham Van Da from the earlier days, followed by Kim Nghia, Xuan Tan, Duc Thang, Van Tam, Ngo Viet Trung, and Phu Duc, among many others.

A number of players from different regions joined Lam Dong, eventually choosing to settle down and make Da Lat their home.

“On weekends, Da Lat football fans have another chance to come to the stadium with friends and watch the home team compete in the First Division. It was unfortunate that Lam Dong conceded in stoppage time against Ho Chi Minh City. But I believe the team will avoid relegation,” Loi said.

Contributing in His Own Way

Supporters are not just attending games to cheer. Many are also discovering creative ways to advocate for the team and enhance its media presence. Nguyen Dac Huu is one such supporter.

Huu, who was born in 1987, lives in Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward, and has had a love for football since he was a child, making him a devoted supporter of Lam Dong. Despite currently working for a company in Da Lat, he dedicates time to manage the Facebook page he established in 2011.

Throughout the years, his page has consistently shared news and photos about the Lam Dong team, aiding in strengthening the connection between the team and its fans.

Huu has also initiated a Lam Dong Football Supporters' Group on Zalo, which currently boasts over 300 members. Earlier this year, when Lam Dong advanced to the final round of the National Second Division in Quy Nhon, Huu and fellow members reached out to sponsors to arrange transportation for supporters from Da Lat to Quy Nhon to support the team.

As the First Division season approached at Da Lat Stadium, he once again sought sponsors to create five large flags featuring the team's logo for fans to wave during games. The group has also printed banners for display around the stadium and organized drums, horns, and blue shirts for the supporters.

In particular, the group is planning to encourage supporters to collect rubbish from the stands after each match, helping maintain a positive image for the stadium.

According to Huu, the supporters' group is not limited to Da Lat residents. Fans from Duc Trong, Lam Ha and Bao Loc have also joined in supporting the team.

“Da Lat people love football and have always wanted to watch professional, top-level football. We are fortunate to have a beautiful stadium in the Central Highlands. Now, people in Da Lat once again have the opportunity to watch well-known players from teams across the country come to Da Lat to compete,” Huu said.

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Whatever we can do for the team we love, we do it. If everyone contributes a little, the team will receive even more support from the fans.

Nguyen Dac Huu, Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward