Michel Gerard

Thai 7s - Phuket Island as a Soccer 7s Hub



Posted: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

by
Reperage Group

Phuket, the famous tourist hub in Thailand, is not simply an island where the beaches and vibrant night-life can be experienced by visitors, but also a top sport destination. Each year, hundreds of overseas football players from many countries participate in the three favored International soccer seven-a-side tournaments.

These tournaments provide a socially competitive environment for soccer players who wish to compete with the right attitude and spirit. Only foreign teams who love soccer participate in the events in not only an atmosphere of competition, but also a flavor of friendship. There is no prize money to be awarded, but Cup, Plate and Bowl trophies, as well as medallions, are presented in the Open and Masters categories.

The oldest of the three football tournaments, which is the "Phuket International Soccer 7s", started in 2003 with 10 teams and has grown as the biggest soccer 7s event in the region. South-East Asian's soccer 7s teams made of foreigners of many nationalities, but also teams from South Africa, Australia and Europe get together for a two-day tournament in November.

Due to the growing demand of teams wanting to participate, a second tournament, the "Andaman Soccer 7s", was created in 2006. This 2-day event has proved to be very successful and is following the path of its predecessor with more and more teams joining each year. It is organized the next week-end after the "Phuket Soccer 7s" in November.

The newest of these tournaments is the "Phuket Spicy Soccer 7s" and started in February 2009. This event is also held on 2 days and was created in order to enable teams that can not join the two other soccer 7s tournaments in November to participate. It is predictable that a lot more soccer teams will participate in the 2010's second edition, and the years to come.

Tournaments are played in accordance to the FIFA laws of the game and held on a top quality green pitch with International and local professional referees. During the years many different outstanding playing venues have been used: "Karon Stadium", "British Curriculum International School", "Phuket Rajabhat University", and "Phuket FIFA Tsunami Football Center".

Additionally, soccer players can also enjoy two night parties. All teams, referees, sponsors and organizers meet together during a Welcome Party in a friendly atmosphere, the night before kick-off on the next day. They will be together two evenings later for the Awards Party where they will enjoy the performance of a live band, and a Thai buffet dinner.

During the years these Thailand tournaments have been welcoming some 300 teams from more than 25 countries. Teams of ex-pro players from the Australia National team, but also English and French professionals have also joined the regular events.

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Michel Gerard is a Travel author living in Asia. Visit the Thailand Soccer 7s website to know more about the International Soccer 7s tournaments in Thailand. => http://www.thai7s.com
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