Rising Thai Soccer Stars at SCA
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Thailand XI Under 12s Youth Squad took on Salford City Academy this week, with Burnley FC defender Michael Duff as a special guest spectator.
Thailand XI Under 12s Youth Squad took on Salford City Academy this week, with Burnley FC defender Michael Duff as a special guest spectator.
The young Thai team are currently touring the UK as part of the project ‘Hero for Children Thailand,' which provides football training for youngsters living in areas suffering from war, violence and crime.
Hailing from southern Thailand, the squad were selected from over 1,000 children from 56 districts in the five provinces of Southern Thailand. Following a three week training camp, the group flew into England earlier this month for the tour, with matches against Irlam Vale FC, Irlam and Cadishead College and Failsworth High School.
Said Colonel Adulpakdee Maliphan, President of ‘Hero for Children Thailand, who selected the squad: "The purpose of the tour is to show our boys how professional European football is and to improve themselves as future athletes. Many of our squad have been affected by violence and war, so this is a once in a lifetime opportunity."
The Thai team's latest opponents on the tour were Salford City Academy, who despite the home advantage saw the visitors win 5-3. Watching the action was Burnley's Michael Duff, who hosted a special medal ceremony, celebrating the ‘Man of the Match' and the efforts of both teams.
Said Michael: "The Thai team played good, technical football, as did the academy boys who played really well to come back to 5-3 after being 4-0 down. They should all be proud of themselves - it was a pleasure to watch."
Before continuing their visit with a trip to London to play a national Under 12s team and tour both the Arsenal and Chelsea stadiums, the Thai group enjoyed complimentary tickets to Alex Ferguson's final match in charge as manager at Manchester United, watching them beat Swansea City.
Keith Burgess, a member of Salford City Academy's Senior Leadership Team, said: "It was fantastic day all round and we hope that this experience will have a positive impact on all those who took part. We hope to welcome the Thai squad back again next year."