Ubon Kids City

Ubon Kids City is a football academy based in the northeast Thai city of Ubon Ratchathani. While youngsters of all ages benefit from the available coaching and the opportunity to step up to the professional game, the seniors compete in adult competitions.

In 2019, the side entered the Thai FA Cup for the first time, going out in the qualifying round away to Nakhonsi United under head coach Chinnaphan Thanaphomsiriphong.

Their 2020-21 campaign ended at the same stage on penalties to Kranuan FC after the game ended 2-2 at UMT Stadium in their home city. City also entered the Thailand Amateur League and ended top of the pile in the Northeast Southern Zone Group B.

Loengnoktah United were dispatched at the PB Magic Arena in Roi Et in the first knockout stage, before PB Roi Et United hammered them 6-0 at The Rajabhat Stadium in Ubon Ratchathani in the next round. 

The 2022-23 campaign saw the academy being awarded a place in the newly formed Thai Semipro League, from where the winners of each of the six regional divisions were promoted to Thai League 3.

Home games were played at Ubon Ratchthani University Stadium in Warim Chamrap to the south of the city, with the Kids finishing in seventh position. They didn’t compete in the competition the following season.

 

After a break in the FA Cup, the Kids City outfit returned to the competition in 2024-25 when, in the Round of 64, they went out 2-0 away to Surin City. Semipro football also made a comeback, with the team playing their home matches at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat Stadium in Ban Yang Noi.

My visit

Ubon Kids City 6 Vongchavalitkul University 0 (Saturday 26th April 2025) Thai Semipro League Northeast (att: 175) 

A fantastic Friday evening was the precursor to this enjoyable trip to a new venue. The night saw Gary, Steve, and Fah head across from Buriram to meet up with Taew and me, who were staying at the Vijit Nakorn Hotel in Sisaket town.

We certainly got stuck into the beer promotion at Leo’s before Craft and Cold, and then Godang 24 Bar ensured we went to bed in a tired and emotional condition. Bearings found; the fellas assembled at Hong Kong Garden, where John met us for lunch and a livener before we headed off. 

Gary dropped his vehicle at Kanthararom station as the three of us went with John for a journey of about forty minutes through the countryside. We were greeted by an excellent venue, with very few spectators.

Steve and I went exploring, with the campus being devoid of students during their summer break. The outdoor pool with large stands mirrored those of the indoor arena. Yet another educational establishment with outstanding facilities.

Water was being drunk by our dry group, while a senior of the kid’s academy dragged several unwilling volunteers to go onto the pitch as mascots with the players, with both sides wearing vibrant outfits, while the youngsters adorned black and yellow hooped tops creating quite a sight.

Both sides went for it from the off, with the visitors, at least in the early stages, looking like a decent outfit. However, their bigger builds would catch up with them in the scorching temperatures as the game progressed. 

Suphakon Phumkhong put the hosts ahead when his flick header from a driven free kick beat goalie Meechok Charoenkan between the posts for the side from Nakhon Ratchasima, just the five hours or so from home.

Four minutes before the break, Baphit Chooklin beat the offside trap wide on the right when put through as he advanced to score, before he made it 3-0 on the stroke of halftime. A kick out of the hands of goalkeeper Thanachot Sakouan evaded the VU defence for Baphit to nip in before Meechok to slot home into the empty net. 

The young academy players in the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves, as did the man commentating for Facebook and making announcements, just along from us. We had an excellent view looking over what looked like a pristine playing surface.

The Ubon midfield was excellent, with Teerawat Lionyum, wearing the skipper's armband, the best on show. Soon after the restart, VU defender Itthichat Chantho was involved in a collision which required him to be stretchered off and taken away by ambulance.

The agony of his remaining teammates was added to as sub, Prakiattichai Sinnsook extended the lead with a fine individual goal. The fifth was added when a long ball was headed down expertly by Prakiattichai for Saharat Khiawsaard to finish in the top corner. 

The hammering was completed in additional time by Rapatphon Sodchuen who lashed home into the roof of the net from a corner, which resulted from a heroic effort from VU substitute defender, Chatchawan Chonphakdi, who looked as though he enjoyed his food. 

At full time, we were soon away and heading back to collect Gary’s wheels, as the four of us continued to our house, where Taew had made food, and we sat outside drinking, eating, having fun while watching football on TV. A wonderful day, in excellent company.