[Feature Image of the U12 team training]

Pakkret, Nonthaburi – While many visitors to Thailand seek out ancient temples and pristine beaches, a different kind of sanctuary is taking shape just outside of Bangkok. Here, at the Muangthong United Training Centre, the future of Thai football is being forged by a new generation of aspiring heroes.

A National Dream, A Single Home

The MTUTD Academy is a melting pot of talent, a place where dreams from every corner of the nation converge. The U12 team is a perfect example, featuring gifted youngsters scouted from provinces in every region of Thailand, from the mountainous north to the southern coasts.

One such player is ‘Bas’, a promising young striker who has travelled over 800 kilometers from his home in Trang province to pursue his professional dream. His journey mirrors that of his teammates, each bringing a unique regional flair to the team’s dynamic style of play.

Bas, a promising young striker from Trang province.

Life as a Kirin Youngster

For these young athletes, life is a disciplined balance of sport and study. The boys live on-site at the state-of-the-art training centre, which houses approximately 80 players aged 12 to 18 across five modern dormitories. They attend school at a nearby institution, ensuring their education remains a top priority alongside their football development.

Under the guidance of U12 coach ‘Mark’, the team trains five days a week, honing their skills in preparation for weekend fixtures, like their upcoming Saturday game in a neighbouring province. The commitment is immense, but the goal is clear: to one day wear the first-team jersey at the Thunderdome.

A U12 training session in progress.

Expert Guidance: AFC Licensed Coaching Staff

The development of these young talents is entrusted to a highly qualified coaching staff, all of whom are AFC Licensed. This includes former Thailand national team and Kirin legends, bringing invaluable experience and insights to the academy:

• Nattaporn Phanrit (ณัฐพร พันธุ์ฤทธิ์)
• Chalor Hongkajohn (ชลอ หงษ์ขจร)
• Pakasit Sansuk (ปกาศิต แสนสุข)
• Dagno Siaka (ดาโน เซียกา)
• Nipon Malanon (นิพนธ์ มาลานนท์)

The Proving Grounds: A World-Class Facility

To build future stars, you need elite facilities. Despite being open for less than a year, the MTUTD Training Centre is already one of the finest in the region. Its features include:

• Three full-sized pitches, meticulously maintained by a team of professional gardeners.

An aerial view of the three full-sized pitches at the MTUTD Training Centre.

• One advanced artificial turf field, which can be flexibly divided into three 7-a-side or two 9-a-side pitches.

The advanced artificial turf field, versatile for various team sizes.

• A fully-equipped fitness room for strength and conditioning.
• Full-time staff, kitchen, and laundry facilities to care for the boys’ every need.

Laundry facilities for school shirts and football boots.

• Professional floodlights for night training and matches.

More Than an Academy: A Hub for Football Lovers

The centre is the vibrant heart of the club, serving not only the First Team and Academy, but also the wider community through the MTUTD Soccer School. For football fans and travellers looking for a unique activity, the professional-grade fields are also