The Need for Play Football Asia
Across Asia, 250 million children and young people are growing up in communities with limited access to quality sports programmes. In remote areas, only 1 in 5 has the opportunity to participate in organised sports or physical education.
Football provides powerful benefits:
Boosting social inclusion – Helping children and young people feel connected and part of their community.
Developing Leadership & Teamwork -Building resilience, confidence, and collaboration.
Enhancing physical and mental health – Encouraging active lifestyles, reducing stress, and improving self-esteem.
Strengthening purpose and belonging -Creating safe spaces for learning, growth, and personal development.
Why Start in Thailand?
While the need for quality football programmes spans Asia, Thailand faces particularly urgent challenges:
Limited access in rural and underserved areas – Many children and young people have little or no access to structured football or physical activity.
High levels of inactivity – Rising screen time and limited resources contribute to poor health outcomes.
Increasing childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes – Thailand is seeing a sharp rise in both.
Social and economic barriers – Marginalised communities often lack safe, inclusive spaces for play, learning, and personal growth.
Play Football Asia launched in Thailand in partnership with Higher Sports Co, a trusted local partner. This collaboration ensures culturally relevant, community-led football activities that inspire hope, increase physical activity, and connect communities.
Our Impact So Far
Between August and November 2024, we ran a self-funded, three-month proof of concept in Thailand. Working with Phuket Andaman FC and local foundations — Sunshine Village, Gate for Football, Youth Football Home, and Good Shepherd — we:
Gave 100 children their first-ever match-day experience — completely free of charge
Built strong local partnerships to support long-term impact
Laid the groundwork for a scalable pilot programme across Southern Thailand
Read more about our journey:
A Community Club Redefining the Beautiful Game (The Phuket News)
