The course sees the launch of the first FIFA for schools international curriculum development course in Phuket which will deliver a series of intensive practical and physical tutoring sessions geared towards creating long-term development in the sport.
The first 3-day course was carried out between Monday and yesterday this week at the Ban Mai Riap Provincial Administrative Organization School (Tantigowit Bamrung) in Kathu, drawing pupils from schools island-wide and attracting more than 300 children on the first day alone.
One of the main attractions of the first day saw the former goalkeeper of the Thai national team Kawin Thamsatchanan, nicknamed “Kawin Bin Dai” and otherwise now known as “Coach Win Bin Dai” in his coaching capacity, deliver a series of sessions to the pupils, in addition to sharing numerous stories from his professional playing days.
A further five schools hosted courses throughout the following two days, including: Ban Kathu Municipality School 2; Patong Municipality School (Ban Sai Nam Yen); Ban Bang Thong School; Ratchaprachanukroh School 36; and Thai Rath Witthaya 29 School in Kathu.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at an official ceremony on Monday (July 21) at the Ban Mai Riap Provincial Administrative Organization School (Tantigowit Bamrung).
PPAO President Rewat Areerob oversaw the MoU signing and was joined by PPAO secretary Akkrawat Sirithanthanakorn who delivered an overview report on the project’s objectives.
A further welcome speech was delivered by Ari Nu Chong, Director of Ban Mai Riap School.
The list of MOU signatories is as follows: Songyos Klinsrisuk, FAT Deputy Director of Technical Development; Kawin Thamsatchanan, former goalkeeper of the Thai national team; Paradorn Kamonlert, FAT grassroots development manager; and Thammawat Wongcharoenyos, President of the Phuket Provincial Sports Association.
Mr Rewat explained how the PPAO places huge significance on the role of sports in serving as a means to help develop youngsters in a variety of ways, including physically and emotionally as well as in promoting good discipline and teamwork.
Mr Akkrawat added that the project is a model of cooperation between local and national sports associations that aims to create true learning through sports and lay the foundation for new athletes in the future.
Mr Rewat concluded by explaining that the PPAO is planning to run similar courses in the near future as it aims to make sports a true part of youth lifestyle while developing Phuket into a pilot province for youth development through sports at the national level.