Champions Rise at VERSO: BCC Triumphs at Jintan U14 ASEAN Dream Football Tournament 2023

What an electrifying display of young football talent there was at the Jintan U14 ASEAN Dream Football Tournament 2023!

Held at VERSO International School in Bangkok's state-of-the-art soccer field, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric as 12 dynamic youth teams from Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand battled for the prestigious trophy.

Congratulations go out to team Gamba Osaka from Japan (white uniform below) and Bangkok Christian College Thailand (purple uniform below) for reaching the thrilling finals, and an  But a special cheer goes to Bangkok Christian College for claiming victory and emerging as this year's champions!

Bangkok Christian College: Winners of the Jintan U14 ASEAN Dream Football Tournament 2023

Masao Kiba, professional football player and former captain of Gamba Osaka, who now spearheads the Japan Dream Football Association (JDFA), proudly declared that the Jintan U14 ASEAN Dream Football Tournament, now in its 6th year, has grown into an exceptional quality tournament, all thanks to the unwavering support of countless organizations.

Masao Kiba, professional football player and former captain of Gamba Osaka,  spearheads the Japan Dream Football Association (JDFA)

As the venue partner and host, we are beyond thrilled to have played a part in nurturing the dreams of these aspiring football stars. Thank you to all the sponsors and guests who graced the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the exhilarating match games: The Football Association of Thailand, Embassy of Japan, Morishita Jintan Thailand, Teijin, Molten, CB Tact, and Eastin Thana City Golf Resort Bangkok.

A big thank you to all the sponsors for making this event a success

H.E. Mr. Nashida Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand (second right) is flanked by (left to right) Sami Yosef, VERSO Admissions and Marketing Director, Masao, and VERSO Head of School Ryan Persaud

 Mr Yuji Morishita (left) of Morishita Jintan Co Ltd Thailand, Masao, and Khun Joe Patit Suphaphongs , Secretary-General of the Football Association of Thailand at the opening ceremony

VERSO Head of School Ryan Persaud and  Sami Yosef, Admissions and Marketing Director with the Morishita Jintan mascot and trophies at the opening ceremony

The 12 teams that participated were Assumption College Sri Racha, Port Authority FC, Phuket Andaman FC, Toyota Junior, Chonburi FC, Gamba Osaka (Japan), Assumption United, Nong Bua Pichaya FC, Look E San FC, Asiana Soccer School (Indonesia), Bangkok Christian College, and Albirex Niigata (Japan).

But that's not all! This tournament also served as a golden opportunity for 3 exceptional youth players to shine even brighter. Handpicked by the legendary Masao Kiba himself, Narakorn Thongjarus from Port FC, Natthakorn Raksa from Assumption United, and Poramet Laoongdi from Bangkok Christian College, have secured their spots to train closely with a leading team in the J-League, the pinnacle of professional football in Japan. Now that's a dream come true! Poramet (pictured below left) also clinched the Most Valuable Player Award and the Top Scorer Awards with an impressive 8 goals!

Masao and the three lucky players who will be travelling to Japan to train closely with one of the teams in the J-League

This year's tournament holds even more significance as it commemorates the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan relations. It's truly an honor to be part of this celebration, and we're proud that this tournament has become one of the many commemorative events and exchange programs fostering friendship and collaboration between ASEAN and Japan.

The passion, sportsmanship, and camaraderie displayed on the field have left us all impressed and we are already looking forward to hosting the Jintan U14 ASEAN Dream Football Tournament next year!

The cheering audience who ignited the stadium with their unwavering support and energy during the tournament

About The Japan Dream Football Association (JDFA)

The Japan Dream Football Association (JDFA) is a non-profit foundation founded by Masao Kiba, retired captain of Gamba Osaka and an esteemed player in the Thai League. With a focus on inspiring Southeast Asian youth to enhance their footballing skills, JDFA collaborates closely with the Football Association of Thailand to elevate the capabilities of under-14-year-old football enthusiasts. The project not only aims to raise the standard of football in the ASEAN region but also fosters learning exchanges, networking, and opportunities for aspiring young talents to pursue professional football careers.

For more details and photos, visit https://www.facebook.com/JINTANU14ASEANDREAMFOOTBALL