Thailand U19 Cup
The Thailand U19 Cup is a premier national youth tournament run by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT). It features top teams from youth academies of T1 and T2 league clubs, alongside regional qualifiers, serving as a vital stage for emerging talents in a football-mad nation with improving facilities and passionate fans.
History and foundation
Launched in the early 2000s to bolster youth development post-Asian financial crisis, the inaugural 2003 edition was claimed by Bangkok United, launching careers of future stars. Chonburi's 2015 final run from provincial roots was a fairy tale. COVID halted play in 2020, but Buriram United's 2021 triumph marked a strong comeback. Fun fact: The 2018 Muangthong-Raong match ended 7-6 in extra time, a goal-fest record.
Tournament format
Regional qualifiers (North, South, Central, East, Northeast) feed into a national knockout stage from Round of 16 to final, with 16-32 teams. Held spring to autumn, games are 2x40 minutes without VAR, emphasizing raw skill and flair.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match: 3.2, spiking to over 4 in knockouts due to open play. Top scorers: Supachai Chaided (15 goals, 2017, Buriram), Ekanit Panya counterpart Ekapol Pola (12, 2019). Standouts: Weeriyah Pochana (J-League, ex-Bangkok), Benjamas Insawo (T1 Port), Teerapat Nornnup (Europe scouts). It's a pipeline for U-20 national team, with 70% debuts here.