Anfield trip set to thrill Southern kids

After securing a threeyear partnership worth Bt300 million with the Merseyside club, the carbattery maker is passing on the benefits from the deal by supporting a government project to give 22 kids an eyeopening experience in England.
Children have been selected from Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Satun and Narathiwat – the predominantly Muslim South, which is plagued by violence from insurgent movements on a daily basis.
“Money cannot buy what the kids will experience during the trip, which is a benefit we received from our partnership with Liverpool,” says Monthien Chaisuwankiri, 3K Battery marketing manager.
“We hope after they have a chance to meet Liverpool star players, who are role models, the children will have more interest in playing the sport.
“We all know about the violence in the South, but these kids face it in real life. It’s really tough for them. So, if we have the chance to give them the opportunity to travel to Liverpool, an English club with a long history, and they come back with stories to tell others … we are happy to do that.”
Monthien revealed that the trip is scheduled for the first week of May but that date depends on the outcome of Liverpool’s FA Cup semifinal against city rivals Everton at Wembley on April 14.
“We planned to take the children to watch Liverpool v Chelsea at Anfield on May 6. However, if the Reds make it through the FA Cup final scheduled on May 5, we will have to make adjustments,” said Monthien, who added that arrangements were being made for a short training stint for the kids at the club’s facilities.
Twelveyearold Abdulfaris Heimbua from Chana district in Songkhla province says he still can’t believe he has the chance to visit Liverpool and meet his favourite player, Steven Gerrard.
“It’s unbelievable that this whole thing is real. I’m really delighted to be in the group that will travel to Liverpool. I wish we could leave for England tomorrow,” said Abdulfaris.