Nonthaburi: The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHPF) and the Alcohol-Free Network have launched the 'Up-Level' course, a program designed to elevate futsal coaches to international standards while utilizing sports to safeguard youth from risk factors. This initiative, held at Rajapruk University in Nonthaburi Province, underscores the importance of 'coaches who build people' and aims to strengthen young individuals' defenses against potential risks.
According to Thai News Agency, the program is a collaborative effort involving the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Alcohol-Free Network, the Healthy Lifestyle Foundation, and other key partners. The 'Up-Level' course, part of the project 'The Coach: Inspiring Dreams, Turning Dreams into Reality,' seeks to enhance local coaches' skills to meet international standards and systematically integrate knowledge on preventing risk factors. The initiative's goal is to use sports as a mechanism to build social resilience among youth. Collaborators include the Football Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, the ASEAN Futsal Network, Baoji Co., Ltd., and Rajapruk University.
Mr. Chainarong Khamdaeng, Chairman of the Vithisuk Foundation, highlighted that the training program, now in its fifth year, has developed a network of over 600 coaches. In 2016, 311 applicants vied for the special course, with only 45 selected based on their achievements at the local level. The main objective is to develop coaches who can leverage sports to modify behavior, instill discipline, and reduce health risks among youth, aiming to extend this impact to communities and educational institutions. The project's outcomes demonstrate a clear shift, with regional teams now achieving national championships more frequently, reflecting broader opportunities and inclusive development.
Mr. Boonlert Charoenwong, head coach of the Thai national futsal team under 19 years old, emphasized that the course integrates international standards from AFC, UEFA, and FIFA, covering both theoretical and practical training. This comprehensive approach enables coaches to effectively design training programs for athletes across different age groups. The course also focuses on using sports to build discipline and prevent risk factors like drug and alcohol abuse, underscoring the need for athletes to maintain good health and avoid substance abuse for long-term success.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piangduen Kerdampang, Assistant to the President for Student Development at Rajapruk University, expressed the university's commitment to supporting the project. The initiative aligns with the institution's "Smoke-Free Institution" policy and its goal to create an environment devoid of risk factors. Dr. Kerdampang believes that enhancing coaches' capabilities to international standards is crucial for developing quality athletes in terms of skills and life discipline.
Mr. Boonrit Yukhon, a coach from Srisamrong Chanupatham School, noted that the course expanded his knowledge, particularly in heart rate zone training and systematic program design. He plans to apply this knowledge to develop his team and foster a "senior mentoring junior" network locally, organizing competitive activities to provide constructive outlets for youth through futsal.
Ms. Thanaporn Nuansuwann, a coach from Kantang Pittayakorn School, stated that the training enriched her understanding of game analysis and coaching processes at the national team level. She aims to use this knowledge to prepare athletes for future competitions while instilling discipline and mitigating risk factors in daily life. Ms. Nuansuwann emphasized that a coach's role extends beyond teaching sports skills to nurturing athletes' physical, mental, and behavioral development.
The "The Coach: Inspirational Coach" project remains committed to maintaining training standards equivalent to international levels, transforming coaches from mere instructors to builders of potential. It leverages sports to inspire and develop youth, steering them clear of risks such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and gambling, ultimately paving the way for sustainable opportunities to become professional athletes and national team members.