Another name gaining attention in youth sports is “Phum” Phumiraphee Siribunyakul, the only Thai who overcame challenges to become part of Kashima Gakuen, a famous Japanese sports school, and compete in the 104th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, the largest high school football event in Japan.
Phumiraphee’s journey began by studying Japanese while still in Thailand to prepare for the high school entrance exam in Japan. With determination and effort, he passed and joined Kashima Gakuen.
He then proved himself consistently on the field, with his performance and dedication making him a key player who helped the team win the Ibaraki prefecture championship and recently advance to the final round of the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Kashima Gakuen, located in Ibaraki prefecture, is renowned for its long-standing football development program, featuring professional-level training, a football culture emphasizing discipline and precision, and continuously producing quality Japanese players for professional and top university football careers.
The school also produced notable football alumni such as Ayase Ueda, a forward for the Japan national team who currently plays for Feyenoord in the Dutch league and is well-known as a national team striker.
This success has received wide recognition, with Coach Ishii, former head coach of the Thailand national team and current head coach of BG Pathum United, expressing congratulations and admiration for Phum’s achievements. This encouragement confirms that the lone Thai youth on this stage is on the right path, and regardless of the final outcome, Phumiraphee Siribunyakul’s name has become an inspiration for Thai youth.
In the final match of the 104th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, Kashima Gakuen will face Kamimura Gakuen on Monday, 12 January at 12:00 noon.