Bangkok: A fresh cohort of Thai futsal players has assembled for training ahead of the 2024 ASEAN Futsal Championship, set to take place from November 2-10 at Terminal 21 shopping mall in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The team, led by Kritsana Aransanlak and Peerapat Kaewwilai, aims to provide young athletes with valuable experience, according to officials. According to Thai News Agency, 'Big Pom' Adisak Benjasiriwan, Vice President of the Football Association of Thailand, alongside team manager Suthin Buatum, welcomed the 20-member squad at the FA THAILAND futsal field. The players were guided through their initial training session by Spanish assistant coach Eloy Alonso. The head coach, Miguel Rodrigo, experienced a flight delay due to an emergency landing but is expected to arrive in Thailand today. Alonso facilitated exercises to help the players acclimate to each other before more intensive training commences. Adisak Benjasiriwan highlighted the strategy of integrating younger players into the national te am, recalling past instances when Thailand fielded its B team and U-21 team in the ASEAN Championships of 2002 and 2008, respectively. This year, the selection process emphasized players with an average age not exceeding 25 years to foster the development of new talent. While winning the championship remains a goal, providing opportunities for emerging athletes is the primary focus. Adisak also addressed the impending expiration of Miguel Rodrigo's contract at the year's end, indicating plans for discussions with the president of the Football Association of Thailand and Rodrigo upon his arrival. The team manager expressed optimism about the upcoming tournament and urged Thai futsal fans to support the young squad. The team's match schedule includes games against Brunei on November 2, Timor-Leste on November 3, Malaysia on November 5, and Vietnam on November 6.
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