Bangkok: The Government Lottery Office (GLO), in collaboration with the Thai Football Development Foundation, has announced the organization of the 'GLO CUP 2025 Thailand Championship', an 8-a-side youth football tournament aimed at selecting Thai children from seven regions nationwide to train in Japan for six months.
According to Thai News Agency, the competition is designed for the under-13 and under-15 age groups, featuring a total prize pool of over 1 million baht. The event not only offers monetary rewards but also provides a unique opportunity for young Thai footballers to train with Avispa Fukuoka, a leading club in Japan's J-League, as part of the Japan Way training program.
The tournament will host 672 teams across seven regions, with applications open from May 3 to 19, 2025. Each region will field 48 teams, with 32 advancing to the national finals. The event will also identify 30 GLO STARs, promising young players who will attend a training camp from September 29 to October 13, 2025. Six of these players will be selected for the special training stint in Japan.
Led by Piyapong Pue-on, the Thai Football Development Foundation is committed to a strict and fair selection process. The competition also provides participants the chance to meet Thai football icons such as J-Chanathip Songkrasin and Mui-Teerasil Dangda, who will offer guidance to the young footballers.
Mr. Lawan Sangsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Chairman of the Government Lottery Commission, highlighted the dual mission of the competition: generating state revenue and fostering a positive future for Thai youth. The event is expected to engage over 15,000 players and coaches, promoting exercise and deterring youth from gambling and other vices.
Piyapong Pue-on emphasized the importance of innovative competition formats to nurture Thai football talent. The tournament incorporates strategies used in Japan and South Korea, focusing on skill development and strategic play.
Schools participating in the tournament will receive scholarships and travel expenses for the finals. Selected players will have all expenses covered for their training in Japan. The initiative aims to prepare these young athletes for potential professional careers, with discussions on education and club signings also planned.
The GLO CUP 2025 represents a significant step forward for Thai football, aligning with FIFA's expansion of youth competitions, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The competition offers financial incentives for regional and final round teams, with applications available at glocup.com/register. Further information can be accessed via the Government Lottery Office Facebook Fanpage or by calling 088-617-5678.