Bangkok: "Somapaphatthana School" from Bangkok has emerged victorious in the Northern Region championship of the "Chang Junior Cup 2026," marking a significant achievement in the youth football tournament designed for players under 13 years old.
According to Thai News Agency, the "Chang Junior Cup 2026," sponsored by Chang Natural Mineral Water, aims to nurture young football talents in Thailand and identify the best team in the country. The winning team will receive the "Most Talented Player" award and two "Sportsmanship Awards," along with the chance to participate in a world-class tournament in England.
The fourth qualifying round took place in the Northern region from May 1-3, 2026, at the Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai, featuring 36 teams. The final match was attended by Mr. Worapong Anchaleesangkas from Chang International Co., Ltd., Mr. Nattarat Sittikol from Alpine Golf Resort, and other notable guests who observed the competition and presented the awards.
In the final match, Somapaphatthana School, a new entrant, faced off against NT Academy, a formidable opponent with a history of success in the Northern Zone. Despite NT Academy's strong performance in the semi-finals, where they defeated Nakhon Sawan Municipal Sports School 3-0, Somapaphatthana School secured a 2-0 win, claiming the Northern Zone championship and advancing to the national championship. Here, they will compete against top youth teams from across Thailand for the coveted prize of an international experience in England.
The tournament is a collaborative initiative involving the Football Association of Thailand, Leicester City Football Club, Bootroom Co., Ltd., and Molten (Thailand) Co., Ltd., all committed to advancing Thai football on a global scale.
The upcoming qualifying round for the Northeast region is set for May 8-9 at the Buriram United Football Club training ground, with the semi-finals and final scheduled for May 10, 2026, at Chang Training Ground, Buriram. The final qualifying round for Bangkok and surrounding areas will open for registration from May 4-8, 2026, accommodating 48 teams, with the concluding matches from May 19-24 at the ThaiBev Football Academy. The top three teams will earn a place in the Thailand National Championship. Further information and registration details are available on Facebook: ThaiBev ThaiTalent and Line: @ThaiBevThaiTalent.