FCA hosted by Buriram United
Our first trip to Thailand
Youth
31.10.2025, 10:30
The first exchange trip to Thailand as part of the co-operation between FC Augsburg and the Thai record champions Buriram United F.C. was nothing short of a roaring success. The coaches at the FCA Football School presented by LEW, Philipp Franke and Leon-Maurice Bock, travelled to Thailand in order to host a series of training camps alongside Buriram United. Along for the ride was Simon Kaltenbach, head of FCA’s U16s and U17s, who engaged in an exchange of ideas with the staff at the Buriram United academy.
In a tropical and humid climate, both Augsburg coaches ran a total of three training camps in Bangkok and Buriram together with the Buriram Soccer School. Around 60 football-mad youngsters between the ages of six and 14 got the opportunity to take part in the experience. Across daily training sessions, the kids were able to not only improve their technical skills, but also gain exciting insights into the training philosophy at FC Augsburg.
Three training camps, many insights
“The camps were organised superbly by the staff at the Buriram Soccer School. We were working in exceptional conditions in all three camps and got the chance to experience some real highlights, including a training session in the Chang Arena, the stadium in which the first team plays,” recalled Franke. “Every child who was interested was able to take part in the football camps, similar to how we run the camps back home at the FCA Football School. A lot of kids make the most of the opportunity to improve on their footballing abilities. Some even dream of making it as a professional footballer.”
Simon Kaltenbach enjoyed a valuable look behind the scenes at the Buriram United academy, where he was hosted within the framework of our sporting exchange. “The academy is already on a really good track,” he said. “It’s really impressive just how fit and perseverant the boys are there. They place a huge emphasis on conditioning.”
For the Thai club, co-operation with FC Augsburg is of particular significance. For their whole stay in the country, FCA were accompanied by national broadcaster PPTV, as was the case during the DFL’s ‘Bundesliga Dream’ project. “For everyone involved, this exchange is an important step on the path to internationalisation,” explained Kaltenbach. “The coaches and management team gained a first-hand insight into how a German youth academy works, and how professional structures, patterns of play and training sessions are all designed. It’s been a valuable inspiration and an enriching experience for all involved.”
Gallery: Thailand-Austausch-Buriram
For the Augsburg coaches, the trip was a more-than-worthwhile experience. Franke continued: “It’s been absolutely fantastic to have been involved in this exchange trip to Thailand. It has expanded our horizons in so many ways and we’re thrilled that we could be a part of this co-operation.”
The children appeared motivated and eager to learn during the training camps. “It really was a fantastic feeling to give the kids such a positive experience,” said Franke.
About Buriram United F.C.
Buriram United F.C. was founded after a merger between two top teams, Buriram PEA and Buriram F.C., and has emerged as the most successful club in Thailand. The club is the only team in the nation’s history to have won five trophies in a single season. Even two German players are living out their dream in Buriram of being professional footballers. Alongside sporting excellence, Buriram United place great value on youth development. In the Buriram United academy, around 160 talents between the ages of 11 and 19 are currently learning their trade, with the aim being to integrate as many as possible into the first team.
Find out more about the co-operation between Buriram United F.C. and FC Augsburg here.
