Manchester United teams up with DHL to create a dream stage amidst the mountains, transforming an artificial turf football pitch for children in Mae Chaem. Bruno sends a video of encouragement and donates shirts to the Thai children.
Manchester United, a Premier League giant, together with DHL Express, a global logistics partner, launched the "Delivering Dreams" project to provide a FIFA-standard artificial turf football pitch to the remote community of Mae Suk subdistrict, Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai. This aims to fulfill the dreams of over 1,000 Thai youth by giving them a world-class training facility throughout the year.
From Old Trafford to the highlands of Mae Chaem, this project was a challenging mission. DHL Express transported equipment and machinery in five trucks over a 500-mile journey from Bangkok to the remote, mountainous area known as Jericho Farm, more than four hours from Chiang Mai city. They built a FIFA Grade 4G artificial turf pitch, using the same technology as Manchester United’s Carrington training center.
A club legend helped open the pitch. The opening day was filled with smiles as Patrice Evra, the team’s legendary left-back, arrived to cut the ribbon and play football with the children. Additionally, current captain Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount sent video messages of encouragement and donated club jerseys to local fans. Over 85% of the local population are true "Red Devils," with a village boy named "Man U" and the local fan club president nicknamed "Oddy Sheringham."
Bruno Fernandes spoke about the project: "The passion for football is the same, whether you play on a neighborhood pitch or in front of 75,000 fans at Old Trafford. This project will inspire kids to believe that one day they can achieve success."
This pitch will become a hub for learning and training for students from two schools and youth from three nearby villages. It addresses the shortage of flat, usable fields, especially during the rainy season. Children in Mae Suk now have their own "theatre of dreams" to develop skills and create future opportunities in football.
