The Bangkok International Veterans Soccer 7’s returns on 3-4 June with teams from Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam already signed up to compete at this year’s event. The tournament will feature three competition categories, over 35, 45 and 55 years old, and has become one of the region’s most popular social and sporting events.
Last year’s Bangkok International Veterans Soccer 7’s saw Australian and Thai teams fight out in the finals of each age category. This year’s tournament will see at least 24 squads competing, translating to more than 300 players, friends and family members in attendance. The event is being held at the Playmaker Fields in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao neighbourhood.
Socialising is an important aspect of the Bangkok International Veterans Soccer 7’s and festivities begin at The Sportsmans Bar in Bangkok’s popular Nana district. The opening event for the tournament takes place on the Friday night before the games and allows teams to mingle and get to know one another before the weekend competition.
There will be masseuses available at the grounds during both days to soothe away any knocks, while Chang will supply refreshments on Sunday afternoon for the finals. All players also receive a tournament shirt and there will be a photographer capturing the glories and own goals. These photos will be shared online after the games have been played.
The history behind the Bangkok International Veterans Soccer 7’s
The tournament first began in the early 2000s and was originally organised by the British Chamber of Commerce of Thailand (BCCT) with a number of EPL legends such as Ian Rush, John Barnes and Lee Sharpe even taking part. The BCCT stepped aside in 2015 and a group of new organisers resurrected the event to ensure amateur teams from Asia could play in a football tournament boasting a friendly and social atmosphere.
The Bangkok tournament is just the start of the football fun this year. The Australia International Veterans Soccer 7’s will be held at the Gold Coast on 14-15 October where many of same teams will meet again. The team registration fee for either the Bangkok or Gold Coast tournaments is USD 600. Teams interested in entering the Bangkok International Veterans Soccer 7’s should act quickly to ensure their spot.
There are also sponsorship opportunities available for both events. For more information on entering a team or sponsoring the event, contact Glen Martin at [email protected].
