Buriram PEA together with English Championship side Leicester City FC and the Rainbow Sports Centre yesterday officially opened the Buriram Academy Football Training Centre.
Buriram chairman Newin Chidchob and the deputy president of King Power Aiyawat Raksriaksorn invited Leicester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson to attend the ceremony at the New I-Mobile stadium.
Also attending were three English Premier League players, Sebastien Bassong and Bernoit Assou-Ekotto of Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion striker, Peter Odemwingie.
Newin said "It is the first step for the young Thai players' dream of a professional football career in Europe."
He said training programmes from Leicester would be used at the academy as the Championship side has won awards as the best football academy in England.
"This football academy will be open to every young player worldwide because it will be the magnet to find young skilful players, not just Thai players," said Newin.
He said five young players would be sent to train at Leicester _ Kirati Kaewsombut, Piyapong Homkajorn, Yotsapol Tiendarh, Ukrit Wongmeena and Arthit Promkhan.
Ericksson commented on the importance of a football academy: "It's like a first school for youngsters to learn about football and these players will develop their football skills, mentality and behaviour before going on be professionals.
He said Leicester would play a strong role in helping youngster become professional footballers.
Newin said the I-Mobile stadium could be used by the national team for their World Cup qualifying round match on July 23 against Palestine or Afghanistan.
Source : http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/244140/buriram-opens-academy