by the-afc.com
Thursday, 11 February 2010
The Project is a breakthrough one for the AFC because it is the first time a whole new provincial Football Association is being created specifically to accommodate Vision Asia requirements.
In addition, new clubs are being created for the sole purpose of playing in the Chonburi provincial league.
One of the key drivers of Vision Thailand Project Chonburi is Thanasak Suraprasert, who is the General Secretary of the Chonburi Football Association.
Also playing a major role in the development of football in Chonburi is Singaporean Mohamed Basir, a former AFC Vision Asia development officer who is now Education Director at the Chonburi FA.
AFC Vision Asia Director Michelle Chai spoke to both men. In the first part of our Q&A series, the-afc.com highlights the hopes and concerns of Thanasak. Basir’s interview will appear on Friday.
Michelle Chai: What are your impressions of Vision Asia?
Thanasak Suraprasert: Actually, I knew about Vision Asia a long time back when it was first introduced in China (in 2004). I thought it would be good if it could also come to Thailand. Finally, last year, 2009, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) appointed Chonburi as a project for Vision Asia and I think this is a great step for Thailand.
MC: Before Vision Asia came to Chonburi, the CFA did not even exist. What has been the impact of Vision Asia in Chonburi in this short period of time?
TS: Actually, there has been a lot of development in Chonburi. We have got a lot of help from many people, including football and government leaders at provincial level. They are very keen to help the Vision Asia project.
MC: How do you think Vision Asia can help Chonburi?
TS: When I saw the first project for Vision Asia in Qingdao, China, and how well it served football in that part of the world, I thought it would be great for Thailand to also join. I think it is important for us to follow the advice given by AFC because it has worked in other places.
MC: What are the key points about Vision Asia that you think are helpful for your association?
TS: One of the main key points is that knowledge has been passed on to the clubs. In terms of knowing how to run a club properly and developing grassroots and dedicating quality time to young players … this is the kind of knowledge we need.
MC: The Chonburi FA has now been established and you are now in the process of becoming a member of the FAT. What are the main issues facing the Chonburi FA? Talk about your strengths and weaknesses. What areas do you need help in?
TS: I think the main issue is education … whether it is coaching, administration or other aspects. In Thailand overall, there is a lack of education, even on the administration side. Most people involved in football, whether they are the head coaches, team managers, or others don’t really understand the regulations. They just think you can just form a team and play. But, in reality, there are many factors that must be considered.
MC: Previously, you had no league in Chonburi. You launched the league last year. How has the experience been?
TS: It has been very interesting. After first launching the league, we found out that many people still did not understand the basic concepts. Their thinking was very much within their own areas and it caused a lot of problems. Vision Asia, we hope, can be an example for other programmes. I wouldn’t mind sharing the knowledge that we gained with other provinces and give them as much as we can so they can also benefit.
Ex-AFC Man Wants Vision Asia To Boost Chonburi Football
by the-afc.com
Friday, 12 February 2010
Now, he is the Education Director at the Chonburi Football Association, helping his new employers implement the very programme he helped to start.
In the second of our two-part Q&A series on Chonburi, AFC Vision Asia Director Michelle Chai talks to Basir about his role in developing football in the Thai province.
Michelle Chai: Can you tell us a little bit about how you got to Chonburi and what made you come here?
Mohamed Basir: I had been to Chonburi many times with the Singapore national youth team and was very impressed with the organisation, the set-up and the youth development. That relationship continued when Chonburi was chosen as a Project for Vision Thailand. I was immediately confident about its future success because they have the right leadership here. After I left the AFC, I was looking for a new challenge in which I could contribute with football education and Chonburi was the obvious choice for me.
MC: You have been here now for two months, What are your impressions?
MB: The potential here is amazing in terms of player and coach development. The leadership shown by the local association, local government and individual businessmen is very positive. There is a lot of work needed to be done. They need to be exposed to outside education and training opportunities. The good thing is here we have people who have a hunger for this knowledge and information.
MC: What are the main issues with respect to Chonburi?
MB: One is communication. Their access to information from outside is a problem because of the language issue. They have the concepts and the knowledge but when it comes to translating, there is inevitably some miscommunication. It is not that they don’t know, it is just that it hasn’t been communication properly. That has slowed us down a bit. A good example is coach instructors. There are some good instructors and they are there because of their language ability. I think there are a lot more out there with equally good knowledge but do not come forward because of the language issue.
MC: How can Vision Asia have an impact in Chonburi?
MB: The general impression here, whether from leaders or people on the ground, is that they have heard a lot of positive things about Vision Asia. I believe that Vision Asia has a big role to play in education and training. We are slowly identifying key areas and what logical steps to take. Vision Asia is very much relevant here.
MC: Who are the key stakeholders here?
MB: I would say the local government, sub-district governments and club owners, who are very important stakeholders. There also has to be a healthy relationship with the Ministry of Education, Sports Authority of Thailand and private educational institutions, which is important for the task of developing people for the industry. For example, sports management courses, coaching courses and, eventually, refereeing courses. For clubs, they may not be clear on their role as stakeholders, so education is important.
MC: What do you hope to bring to Chonburi?
MB: Over the short tem, we need to sort out administration and government issues so we can get recognition as an FA. There is also the need to set up the physical structure, the building itself, facilities to run courses, whether referees or coaching, and then help to identify potential people and train them in administration. Of course, through education and training, I would like to mentor instructors and administrators. But it is not only about me but also how we can eventually help society.
No comments:
Post a Comment