Thai League U19
The Thai League U19 Championship, run by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and True Visions Group, is Thailand's premier youth competition for under-19 players. It acts as a vital breeding ground for talents feeding into Thai League 1 and 2 squads and the national teams, spotlighting academy products from top clubs and fueling the kingdom's football renaissance on the Asian stage.
History and foundation
Launched in 2018 amid FAT's youth development push post-AFC U-19 successes, Buriram United U19 claimed the inaugural title. Chonburi FC U19 dominated with wins in 2019, 2021, and 2023. A quirky 2020 bubble format due to COVID added edge, while BG Pathum United U19's 2022 final thriller (3-2) shocked favorites. Stars like Supahan Buri ramsak have graduated to senior debuts, marking it as a launchpad.
Tournament format
Featuring 16 teams from Thai League academies (1, 2, 3, and T4), the season splits into a 30-match double round-robin regular phase and playoffs: top-8 to quarterfinals, semis, and final. Games mirror pro 90-minute formats with a 3-foreigner cap. Top performers enter FAT scouting pools.
Interesting facts
Averaging 3.2 goals per game (peaking at 3.5 in 2023), top scorers include Nontawit Niradong (28 goals, Chonburi 2021) and Pitakkitat Petphon (25, Buriram 2022). Standouts: Ekapol Pollapat (Rajpracha to Port FC), Thanawat Insaw (25 goals, Police Tero U19, U20 captain), Supahan (22 goals, Messi-like dribbling). Known for technical flair and counterattacks.