The Klong Toey Football club was started in 2007 in the largest slum community in Bangkok. It has grown to a 6 day per week program with 100 kids & coaches
It has grown to a 6 day per week program and invovles over 80 boys from the ages of 7-16 as well as a further 32 young men from the ages of 16-30 years, some of whom are also employed as coaches. One of the difficulties facing people living in urban slum communities is that of a lack of space. The houses are packed tightly together with tiny laneways a few feet wide as the only public space. This
often results in feuds and violence within and between families over the smallest issues. The lack of space coupled with the intense heat and lack of resources contributes to the high incidence of drug use among the young people. Children as young as 6 and 7 years old can be seen sniffing glue and for many in their early teens ICE (crystal meth) becomes the drug that enslaves them. The lack of male role models often means young boys going into their teens having very little positive influence as they navigate these often turbulent years. As well as the easy accessibility to drugs, alcohol and gang culture, this can offer a dangerous but tempting situation for our young men. Drug use often leads to imprisonment and is often the start of a downward spiral that many men find hard to break free from. Through the implementation of our football program, we have seen our football teams play in competitions across Bangkok. For many this is their only chance to get outside of the slum and see another view of the world. We see this program as significantly reducing the use of drugs and alcohol in the lives of many young men and boys. The excitement driven by this program has been amazing and we are seeing many positive results as community and comradery are built among these boys and men. At the moment this program is being funded by some of the team members personally. We would appreciate funding for what we see as a vital and life-changing program for the men of Klong Toey. You can donate any amount, or sponsor one child to play for 6000 Baht/year including uniform, training, transport, tournament fees and food. To donate:
If you are in Australia or wish to use Mastercard, please donate via http://www.unoh.org/donate-now/klong-toey-fc and all funds will go directly towards the Klong Toey FC. If you are in Thailand, please send payments to:
UNOH Bangkok - in the names of Ashley Barker, Rodney Sheard and Christopher MacCartney
175-4-186987
Bangkok Bank
(as we are not yet registered as a foundation in Thailand, the account is in the name of 3 of our team members)
