Squad announced for Thailand’s Bundesliga Dream 2.0

Bundesliga Dream 2.0 was announced at a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand. In attendance, from left to right: Phakphoom Sengdang, Marketing Director of Bangkok Media & Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (PPTV HD 36); Dennis Kittel, Head of Southeast Asia & India, Bundesliga International GmbH; Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, the Chargé d’affaires of the German Embassy Bangkok; Preecha Laloon, Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing at the Sports Authority of Thailand; Nutty Totab, International Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS).
Photos: PPTV HD 36
  • Thailand’s Bundesliga Dream 2.0 project selects 17 young players for the U15 Dream Squad, set to train at top Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 academies in Germany from 9-30 September
  • The selected players will train at FC Augsburg, Hamburger SV, and Borussia Dortmund, following a joint syllabus developed by the Football Association of Thailand, the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and participating Bundesliga clubs
  • The initiative, supported by the Sport Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Thai FA and Bundesliga broadcaster PPTV HD 36, aims to nurture emerging football talents in Thailand and prepare them for international competitions
  • The players will experience live Bundesliga matches, meet Bundesliga Legends, and participate in a 12-part series broadcast on PPTV HD 36 that follows their journey
  • Bundesliga International reaffirms its commitment to developing football in Thailand, building on the success of the previous edition and strengthening ties with Thai football stakeholders

22 August 2024 – In coordination with the Sport Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Thailand Football Association, and broadcast partner PPTV HD 36, 17 talented footballers from across Thailand have been selected to experience life at a German football academy as part of the ‘Bundesliga Dream’ project. This initiative is aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging football talents in Thailand and preparing them for future international competitions.

On 28 July, 66 promising young players from eight regions across Thailand underwent trials for the final squad. From this pool, 17 were chosen by coaches from the Football Association of Thailand, along with Marc Basedow, Academy Scout at Hamburger SV, Andreas Prechtl, U14 Academy Coach at FC Augsburg, and Roman Weidenfeller, Borussia Dortmund Legend. After a local training camp over the weekend of 7-8 August, the team will now prepare to travel to Germany from 9-30 September for the start of Bundesliga Dream 2.0.

Last year’s edition of Bundesliga Dream Thailand reached millions of people, inspiring not only those players that were here in Germany, but also young and aspiring football fans throughout the country.

Dennis Kittel, Head of Southeast Asia & India, Bundesliga International

Over three weeks, the squad will train at three participating Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 academies: FC Augsburg, Hamburger SV, and Borussia Dortmund. During that time, they will immerse themselves in a comprehensive training programme, following a joint syllabus developed by the Thai FA, the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and coaches from the participating Bundesliga clubs. The programme is designed to hone their skills both on and off the pitch, featuring a blend of training sessions, competitive friendly matches, and educational workshops.

Throughout their stay in Germany, the players will also have the unique opportunity to meet Bundesliga legends, experience live Bundesliga matches, and immerse themselves in the rich football culture of Germany. Their journey will be documented in a 12-part series, broadcast on PPTV HD 36, allowing fans across Thailand to follow their progress and share in their experiences.

The 17-man Bundesliga Dream 2.0 squad was unveiled at the press conference
Borussia Dortmund Legend Roman Weidenfeller was part of the Bundesliga Dream squad selection committee, responsible for picking the final 17 members of the team

The announcement of the squad was made following a statement from Mr. Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, the Chargé d’affaires of the German Embassy in Bangkok, who congratulated all selected players and highlighted the project’s goal of connecting Thailand and Germany through elite training opportunities for young Thai players, as well as advancing football development and inspiring future talent throughout the country.

The press conference was also attended by Tobias Lederer, Head Coach, BVB International Academy Thailand, who underscored the club’s commitment to youth development and nurturing young talent to achieve their full potential both on and off the pitch.

Phakphoom Sengdang, Marketing Director of Bangkok Media & Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (PPTV HD 36), said: “The Bundesliga Dream Project continues to be a beacon of inspiration for young footballers in Thailand. Our collaboration with the Bundesliga, alongside the generous support of our presenting sponsor Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) and our kit sponsor Ari Football, has made this project a reality. We are proud to be part of an initiative that not only nurtures talent but also brings the excitement and passion of the Bundesliga closer to Thai football fans.”

Dennis Kittel, Head of Southeast Asia & India, Bundesliga International, said: “Last year’s edition of Bundesliga Dream Thailand reached millions of people, inspiring not only those players that were here in Germany, but also young and aspiring football fans throughout the country. We are especially proud that three players from the previous Bundesliga Dream programme – Sirapop Nilsaeng of BG Pathum United, Chonasorn Choklarp of Assumption Thonburi, and Natee Tampradap of Police Tero Klong Klone Academy – represented Thailand in the Asian Football Confederation AFC U17 Asian Cup.

“For that reason, we are happy to reaffirm our commitment to the Sports Authority Thailand, Thai FA and to the as well as with our trusted partner PPTV HD 36, and we are proud to be working directly with them to support the development of football across Thailand.”

The previous Bundesliga Dream project garnered widespread national attention

In March 2024, Bundesliga Legend Lothar Matthaus joined representatives from Bundesliga International in Thailand to discuss the success of the first edition and how best to strengthen the partnership between the DFL and stakeholders responsible for the advancement of Thai football.

The DFL is committed to working with national federations throughout Asia, creating a pathway for young players to develop on and off the pitch, and forging links to support the provision, access, growth and enjoyment of football at all levels. In March 2023, the DFL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAT, and has since worked closely with its clubs and partners on the ground to strengthen its commitment to Thai football. Last month, Bundesliga club and UEFA Champions League finalist Borussia Dortmund travelled to Thailand as part of the BVB Asia Tour, playing a pre-season friendly against BG Pathum United in Bangkok.