A real opportunity! GLO STAR 2026 announces six young Thai representatives to train with Avispa Fukuoka for six months.
On 30 Aug 2026 GMT+7, the Government Lottery Office, together with the Thai Football Development Foundation, concluded the GLO STAR 2026 project under the GLO Cup 2026 competition. Thirty talented youth footballers nationwide, in U13 and U15 age groups, underwent a 14-day GLO STAR Camp training and development process before the final selection of six players (three per age group) who will have the chance to train with Avispa Fukuoka, a leading J.League club in Japan, for six months.
The final six were announced by Group Captain Piyapong Pue-on, chairman of the Thai Football Development Foundation, and Group Captain Songsom Ma Perm, the foundation's board member and secretary. Yusuke Iki, academy director of Avispa Fukuoka, also joined to observe the selection process and congratulate the chosen players on this important opportunity.
From the 30 youths selected from seven regions nationwide through the GLO Cup 2026 tournament before the GLO STAR Camp, all underwent training, evaluation, and communal living during the 14 days to allow the committee to assess football potential as well as development, attitude, discipline, responsibility, and learning ability.
Ultimately, the committee selected just six final players: three in the U13 group and three in the U15 group, who will advance to the next stage of the GLO STAR journey.
The six GLO STAR 2026 players earning the chance to travel to Japan
Under-13 (U13) category
Pachara Ocharas (Ban Kao Wittaya)
Lucas John Homer (Phra Mae Mari Sathorn)
Phakphon Sripatda (Jaifa Academy)
Under-15 (U15) category
Nattawat Dankasai (Nong Bua Pitchaya FC)
Warakorn Rinthachai (Phra Mae Mari Sathorn)
Pakorn Boonta (Nakhon Sawan Municipal Sports School)
"TheTuk," Group Captain Piyapong Pue-on, revealed that this selection was among the toughest stages because all 30 players had unique strengths. Over 14 days, the committee closely observed each child's progress.
"Choosing the final six was very difficult because all 30 players in the camp were talented and selected from across the country. We observed each one's strengths, areas for improvement, and development during the past 14 days."
"We didn't only look at who played the best, but who had potential for further growth, who accepted feedback, showed good attitude, discipline, and readiness to learn new things."
"TheTuk" also emphasized the importance of the opportunity for these six children, saying the trip to Japan is more than just football training; it's an experience that will broaden their horizons both in football and life.
"Going to Japan for six months is not only about football. The children will face new environments, languages, cultures, training methods, and lifestyles. Therefore, we had to choose those ready to learn and adapt while developing their skills."
He also sent a message to the 24 players not selected to go to Japan, stressing that not being among the six does not mean their football journey is over.
"I want to tell all 30 children that they reached this point because of their abilities, and each has value in their own path. Today we select six for this opportunity, but that doesn't mean the other 24 have no chance."
"Football has many fields, many competitions, and many opportunities ahead. I encourage everyone to keep developing, keep dreaming, and keep moving forward."
Over the 14 days, GLO STAR Camp was more than just a selection venue; it was a place where all 30 youths learned systematic training, living with others, self-responsibility, and stepping outside their comfort zones to prove their potential.
The six GLO STAR 2026 players will depart for Japan in late September to join training and development with Avispa Fukuoka, a top J.League club, for six months.