Race to train at Liverpool, Man U hots up

As a sponsor of both Liverpool and Manchester United, AP Honda launched the event as a part of its “Discover Your Fun” campaign to offer local youths a chance to train for a short spell at the academies of both clubs, which have produced a host of top-class players.

With the aim of promoting football at the grass-roots level, the tournament also features a soccer skills contest alongside the football competition. Just 32 teams from across the country remain in each competition. 

The draw was made yesterday and the national round will get underway on February 11 at Rajamangala National stadium, with Bangsadejwittayakom School taking on favourties Saunkularb Wittayalai School in the curtain-raiser of the Liverpool competition, while Assumption College Sriracha face Phatthalung School in the opening match of the Manchester United half.

Sakol Wannapong, who as Sport Authority of Thailand vice governor presided over the draw, had high praise for the project, which he says will prove beneficial to football development in the country.

“I have wanted to see a good project like this for a long time. It is an excellent opportunity for the youth to get a chance to train at clubs that possess world-class facilities. The experience they will gain from the trip will definitely help them become better players. That’s very good for Thai football,” said Sakol.