Twenty five teams from around Asia took part in the Bangkok International Veterans Soccer 7’s in June at Playmaker Fields. The tournament featured three age categories: over 35, 45 and 55 years old with more than 300 players, friends and family turning up. Players came from as far away as Edinburgh, London, Paris and the US to join with the tournament, which has established itself as one of the region’s most popular social and sporting events for mature-age players.
Bangkok’s Siam Printing prevailed over Footy Japan from Tokyo in the over-45 division while Bangkok Spartacus knocked off Bangkok Angels in the over-55 age group. The over-35 final was who by the host team, Playmaker, who overcame Bangkok’s Japan All-Stars. In the Plate category, the winners were local Thai team, Toto’s Titans, in the over-35 division, the Vikings 50s from Jakarta in the over 45s and the Gold Coast Koalas from Australia in the over 55s.
Recent rains at the fields left things a little spongy to say the least before the matches kicked off. By the end of the first day, players were indistinguishable, caked in mud. Saturday night saw even more rain and with showers predicted for Sunday afternoon, organisers decided to cut some games to make sure that the finals could proceed before the football matches morph into something resembling water polo. The players did not seem to mind, not with free flow beverages awaiting them.
Socialising is always an important aspect of the Bangkok International Veterans Soccer 7’s and this year was no exception. Festivities began at The Sportsman Bar in Bangkok’s popular Nana district on the Friday night with a welcome party. Players were spread far and wide the next two nights across the bars, restaurants and shopping districts of Bangkok.
Looking to get out and play? The Australia International Veterans Soccer 7’s will be held in Gold Coast on 14-15 October with several of the same teams taking part. The Saigon 7s is scheduled for 4-5 November in Ho Chi Minh City. Teams interested in any of these tournaments should contact Glen Martin at [email protected].
