Pattaya United’s junior football players had the chance to meet Pattaya mayor Itthipol Kunplume recently in the build up to the 16th national Coke Cup youth football tournament.
The mayor encouraged the boys to try their best in the competition and cited the examples of previous junior Dolphin players who had later gone on to make appearances in the first team.
United were placed in Group B in the tournament along with Chantaburi FC and local rivals Chonburi FC with the games being held at the Sri Racha Suzuki Stadium between August 30 and Sept. 4.
Pattaya City Mayor and United advisor Itthipol Kunplume gives a rousing speech to the junior Dolphins outside City Hall in the build-up to Coke Cup youth football tournament.
Despite giving their best efforts, United’s youngsters were unfortunately outgunned by their opponents and found themselves eliminated from the competition after losing 1-0 to Chantaburi and suffering a 3-2 reverse to Chonburi in a thrilling group decider. The under 19 players will however have gained some valuable experience from this tournament and they can hopefully utilize the lessons learned to go on to bigger and better things in the future.
The United first team squad will return to action this coming Sunday with a Thai Premier League fixture against TTM Pichit FC at the Sports Institute Stadium in Chonburi. Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 6 p.m.
