Thailand is no stranger to soccer – a sport well loved and raved about throughout the world. Thailand is by no means a veteran in soccer though. Unlike the rest of the soccer crazed countries, the Thai people are still new to the professional football league systems. But it is slowly and surely making its presence felt in that arena. Hence, there is no reason to stay ignorant to the growing phenomenon that is Thai Soccer.
Thai Soccer – the history behind it
Soccer had been introduced in Thailand back in the year 1897. But it was almost 20 years before the first formal association was formed. In the year 1916 The Football Association of Thailand under patronage of His Majesty the king Vajiravudh was founded. The biggest turning point came 9 years later. In the year 1925, this association joined hands with FIFA – and a new beginning was marked. After that, the Thai Soccer kept climbing higher levels. Thailand saw its first soccer stadium being constructed in the year 1935. This stadium was named the Suphachalasai Stadium. In 1956 the Thailand national soccer team got their first shot in the Olympic Games which were held in Australia. The Association joined the AFC in the year 1957. In 1968, the first soccer cup was introduced in Thailand. It was called the King’s Cup. This was followed by the Queen’s Cup in 1970 which was the first national cup competition.
Youth soccer in Thailand
Youth soccer is a very important part of Thai Soccer. It is also extremely popular. The highest level of youth soccer in Bangkok is provided by the Bangkok Youth League. The membership in this League has high profiles in it – right from the Thai Premiership Academies teams to local and international academies teams. What youth soccer prides itself on is the healthy and competitive playing environment that it provides to its players. There is also the club named Bangkok Soccer League which organizes soccer matches regularly for the children in all the Thailand’s international schools.
Famous soccer competitions in Thailand
In Thai Soccer, the game is played in a number of leagues. The high division league includes the Premier League whereas Football Royal Cup (for general teams) and Provincial League (for the provincial teams) feature in the low division games.
The famous soccer competitions held in Thailand include the FA Cup, the Queen’s Cup and the League Cup – all of which are annual soccer matches among the clubs in Thailand. Then there’s the Kor Royal Cup (an annual match between the Premier League’s runner ups and champions) and the King’s Cup (an annual as well as national completion among national teams).
Memorable moments in Thai Soccer
In the year 2000, the Thai national team won for the second time the ASEAN Football Championship. In 2007 Thailand featured as the joint host for the Asian Games. The same year it also won the King’s Cup. By 2010 the Regional League in Thailand was expanded to include much more clubs. Thai Soccer is indeed going ahead in leaps and bounds.
