Since the Goal programme has been launched by FIFA president Sepp Blatter in 1999, it has provided support for over 500 development projects across the world. One project financed, is the national training centre of Thailand, erected in the outskirts of Bangkok. We visited the place, and we were shocked.

Brought to life in 1999 by Sepp Blatter, the goal programme provides funds for member's association of FIFA to realise constructions to speed up the development of the football in the respective country. To say it with FIFA - we quote: "....to help build national association headquarters, training academies and artificial and grass pitches. In doing so it has responded to the FIFA President’s primary objective of giving national associations with the least resources the infrastructures they need to carry out their work."

Earlier this year the TPL agreed on cooperation with the Japanese J-League. However, not only the league also some clubs went into close collaborations with their Japanese counterparts.

Bangkok Glass was the first club which announced such one this year with Cerezo Osaka, followed by Chonburi FC a few weeks later with Vissel Kobe. Hence, a Bangkok Glass delegation visited his new partner club in June. Primarily it was about to visit the youth academy and to get an inside view on how the youth development is structured at their new partners. The delegation from Thailand consisted of Supasin Leelarit (General Manager), Ariya Dhananukulkit (Deputy Manger), two youth coaches Aktaporn Chalitaporn and Yoshiaki Maruyama, as well as academy director Hans Emser.

Two weeks ago, a big press conference with many little curious kids took place at Bangkok Glass. It was about the clubs new under-12 and in addition, for the first time we had the opportunity to meet Hans Emser the academy director.

Good things come to those who wait. So as well in our case. For the last time in 2011, an agreed appointment with Hans Emser had to be canceled due to illness. A press conference couple of days ago suddenly allowed us an unexpected meeting. Beside Mr. Emser, vice president Supasin Leelarit, BGFC coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong and Yoshiaki Maruyama were present in the big Bangkok Glass hall where everything took place.

Football shirt shopping in Thailand? No problem you might think, especially if you want to buy one from a Thai club. However, it is not as easy as you might think. In today’s article we would like to provide you with some valuable tips and tricks.

All around the world you can find collectors of football jerseys. Thailand is almost a paradise where they can add to their collections. Compared to Europe, kits from local clubs are very affordable and this almost invites you to acquire one after another. Still there certain things which makes purchasing a jersey in Thailand distinct from buying one in Europe.