Hua Hin Youth Football Selection

HH Football Academy was established in 2022, building on the PSG Academy Hua Hin legacy. The academy's founder and football manager, Farid Benghomari, a French national coach, has implemented the French Football Method, which is based on the principles of INF Clairefontaine and the French Football Federation.

Farid brings extensive experience as a football player from the Parisian academy, as well as roles as a football coach, ski monitor, and youth camp animator in France. This experience has enabled him to build a team of 10 skilled coaches dedicated to training around 100 young players, including a robust group of 30 girls who participate in football training three times a week, following the French program.

At HH Football Academy, child development is our primary focus. However, we face several challenges:

1. There is a lack of official and regular competitions for youth players.
2. There is no established football structure with standardized rules to regulate youth football tournaments and connect different academies under a single set of regulations.
3. There are budgetary concerns, including pitch rental costs, transportation, and the need for qualified football coaches.

Recognizing the wealth of potential for youth football in Hua Hin, Farid Benghomari decided to collaborate with Khun Suntorn Singklin, the owner of Hua Hin City, to create opportunities for the children of Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Joint Initiatives of HH Football Academy and Hua Hin City

Together, HH Football Academy and Hua Hin City will:

1. Offer weekly training sessions for the Hua Hin selection in the U12, U14, and U16 categories.
2. Assemble squads composed of the best players in each category for regional, national, and international youth football competitions.
3. Collaborate to provide a pathway from youth football to the League 3 professional team of Hua Hin.
4. Create opportunities for all children in the region, including those from other academies, to be considered for selection.

How the Regional Selection Works?

For the National Youth League, the Hua Hin selection will compete under the name of Hua Hin City. In regional and international tournaments, they will represent HH Football Academy (HHFA). A hybrid name, "HH City," may be used for some future competitions, complete with a new kit. For local competitions, HHFA and Hua Hin City will continue to field their own teams and compete against one another.

Coaching, Training, and Budget

Coach Steve Barbé, a UEFA B pro and former professional player, may lead the weekly Hua Hin selection sessions, supported by one or two assistant coaches from Hua Hin City and HHFA. Coach Steve Barbé could also serve as the head coach for certain categories.

Coach Farid Benghomari and Khun Suntorn Singklin (Hua Hin City football manager) will oversee training organization, player selection, and structure.

To ensure that the Hua Hin selection represents a genuine opportunity for all children in the region, training sessions will be offered at no cost. Participation of Thai national players in the Youth League and national tournaments will also be provided at no cost, covering transportation, food, and competition expenses.

Sponsorship and Support

Both HHFA and Hua Hin City will contribute their expertise, reputation, skills, and structured development programs.

However, funding for weekly sessions, additional coaching, and transportation will require sponsorship. We hope that local companies, patrons, and generous philanthropists will recognize the significance of this initiative for the youth in Hua Hin, using football competitions as a means of personal development and enhancing the reputation of Hua Hin as a center of excellence in football.

Next Steps

As we look ahead to the Bangkok Super League, the largest tournament in Asia, taking place on December 7 and 8, 2024, HH Football Academy is already offering select players the opportunity to participate for free.

Eligibility

• Players from HH Football Academy
• Players from Hua Hin City
• Players from other academies in Hua Hin
• Players not currently affiliated with a team

For Players from Other Academies:

Players selected for the Hua Hin selection will continue to train with their own academies, temporarily practicing with HHFA once or twice a week to prepare for the Bangkok Super League international tournament at no cost. The logos of their respective academies will be featured in the Hua Hin selection project, and their coaches will be acknowledged.

The Hua Hin selection project is a comprehensive initiative to promote football development for the youth in the region.

Let’s work together to create opportunities for our young athletes.

Farid Benghomari, HHFA Owner & Football Manager
Khun Suntorn Singklin, Hua Hin City Owner & Football Manager