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Published on November 21, 2007

The BMA's initiative stems from a plan to encourage children to take up more sports activities instead of wasting time.

Last week, Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin went to England to seek assistance from Everton in developing the country's football to the level of other leading nations. Everton are sponsored by Chang beer, one of the products of Thai Beverage.

The two parties agreed to exchange personnel, with the Merseyside club sending their coaching staff and players to hold football clinics in Thailand every three months, while local coaches and players will have opportunities to sharpen their skills overseas.

Former national captain Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang, who was appointed as the academy director, said the move would greatly benefit Thai football.

"It's definitely a constructive project. This will inspire children dreaming of professional football. We'll have a trial for our team prepared for competition. We aim to help these players enter the national rank. 

"Next year, there would be a big tournament. We'll invite youth teams from famous clubs such as Liverpool, Everton and Real Madrid to contest in the event with us," Kiatisak said.

The move by BMA, run by the Democrat Party, a rival of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, comes just a few days after the historical contract-signing which saw three Thai players including right-back Suree Sukha move to Thaksin's club, Manchester City.

The BMA official dismissed any suggestions that this project had political motives.

"This isn't about a counter attack. Our bid to build ties with the City of Liverpool coincided with the Man City deal," Deputy Bangkok Governor Buddhi-pong Punnakanta said.

The Nation