While a large percentage of the world’s youth have returned to school and social activities, schools in Thailand have remained online for the past two years. There are signs that change may be coming, however. Youth in underprivileged sections of the capital city are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to play football again soon. After two years of quiet and empty football fields, signs of life are starting to appear.
Over the past three months, SEEDs members in Thailand have brought together a group of local football coaches to kick off a new season of youth sports as the pandemic winds down.
The past two years have had a generally negative effect on youth cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically. More than ever, youth need the opportunity to learn life skills and develop the character traits that will assist them when dealing with challenging seasons of life in an urban environment. When youth are part of a safe and healthy football team, they will also grow in decision making skills, goal setting, self-confidence, and leadership.
The local futsal network that SEEDS organized several years ago has been working behind the scenes to launch its seventh annual futsal league this May. Six neighborhoods are contributing valuable assets such as their relational connections, football equipment, places, and skills to make the league possible without charging a fee. During the 5 week futsal league, boys 13 years and younger will practice with their teams during the week, and come together to compete every Sunday afternoon.
Everyone involved is eager to experience the challenge, the thrill, and the reward of competition again, something they have been looking forward to a long time.
