Bangkok: Minister Surasak Panjaroenworakul has initiated an innovative program known as the "Football Universe," aimed at reintegrating children who have dropped out of school back into the education system through the medium of sports, particularly football, and enhancing career opportunities. This initiative also includes plans to increase access to live broadcasts of significant sporting events for the Thai public.
According to Thai News Agency, during a press briefing at the Football Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, Minister Surasak emphasized that the "Football Universe" curriculum seeks to harness the expansive nature of the football industry, which encompasses a multitude of roles beyond athletic performance, including coaching, sports science, media, and marketing. This initiative is part of a larger governmental effort under the "Thailand Zero Dropout" policy to re-engage youth in education by aligning their interests in sports with potential career paths.
The program is designed to create learning and career opportunities for young people by focusing on the diverse professions within the football industry. Minister Surasak highlighted that the initiative would not only focus on developing future athletes but also on educating youth about various career possibilities within the sports industry.
Additionally, Minister Surasak discussed the broader application of the "Football Universe" concept to other sports like volleyball and boxing, aiming to establish a comprehensive sports ecosystem that integrates youth development, education, and career progression, thereby fostering the growth of a robust sports industry in Thailand.
Alongside these educational initiatives, the Ministry is working with the Football Association of Thailand to broaden public access to live broadcasts of major sporting events. The goal is to allow more Thais to watch important matches, particularly those involving the Thai national team, while navigating the complexities of broadcast rights and copyright issues.
Minister Surasak expressed confidence in the new Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, emphasizing a collaborative approach to advancing Thai sports across all levels. This includes promoting sports for health and recreation, enhancing elite and professional sports, and ultimately leveraging sports as a vehicle for economic development and opportunity creation.
The "Football Universe" project continues the work initiated by previous government leaders, illustrating a commitment to policies that benefit Thai citizens irrespective of political origins. The Ministry aims to continue forging partnerships with sports agencies and associations to enhance human resource development and improve the quality of life through sports.