At BISP, student-athletes are supported to pursue their ambitions both on and off the pitch. Recently, three of our football scholars took an important step in their journeys, attending the Thai ID Camps. This camp is a high-level identification trial that offers players the opportunity to be assessed for national team pathways.

For the Year 10 students Thanyapat Lamjuan (Non), Kunanon Sittikarn (KunKun), and Kiattichai Sipakdi (Alex), the experience was not only about selection, but also about growth, exposure and understanding the level required to compete among the best in the country.

From Early Passion to Purpose

Each player’s journey began in a similar way: a simple love for the game.

Non recalls spending hours playing football after school, often continuing alone long after others had gone home. “Every day I would train by myself… just shooting at the goal and practising my dribbling,” he explains. Inspired at a young age by watching Lionel Messi, he began to take his training more seriously, driven by the dream of one day reaching the professional level.

KunKun’s introduction came through family. “My dad was the person who introduced me to football,” he shares. From school teams to academy trials, his development was shaped through persistence—trying multiple times before earning his place in elite programmes.

For Alex, football was rooted in community and enjoyment. “Anywhere was a pitch,” he reflects, remembering long afternoons playing with friends and family. That early joy continues to underpin his motivation today, even as the level of competition has intensified.

Developing Through Opportunity

All three players have progressed through different academies and competitive environments before arriving at BISP, where they now train within the school’s high-performance football programme.

Their experiences highlight the importance of both resilience and adaptability. KunKun, for example, transitioned from playing as a winger to a central midfield role—an adjustment that allowed him to expand his game. “Playing in midfield allowed me to use not only my dribbling but also my vision and playmaking abilities,” he explains.

Similarly, Alex credits his development to stepping outside his comfort zone—moving away from home at a young age and adapting to a new environment. “I had to leave my family… to chase my dreams,” he says, reflecting on the balance between academics and football.

At BISP, all three players point to the professional environment, strong coaching, and supportive community as key factors in their continued growth.

Experiencing the National Level

The Thai ID Camps provided a valuable benchmark for each player, offering insight into the demands of national-level football.

Non describes the experience as both exciting and challenging. “I tried my best to not feel anxious and just play like how I usually play,” he says. “Even though I didn’t make it, I am still grateful for the opportunity.”

KunKun echoes this perspective, describing the trials as “one of the most nerve-racking experiences” of his journey—but also one of the most motivating. “It showed me the level I want to reach in the future,” he reflects.

For Alex, the intensity stood out most. “The level of professionalism was extremely competitive… from the warm-up to the match,” he explains. Despite the pressure, he remained focused on learning from the experience and identifying areas for improvement.

Looking Ahead

While selection for the national team remains a long-term goal, all three players have returned from the ID Camps with greater clarity, motivation, and determination.

“I am determined to keep training and improving my game,” says KunKun, who hopes to represent Thailand in the future.

Non shares a similar mindset, focusing on continuous development and making the most of every opportunity.

For Alex, the journey is about more than just football. “Football has brought me through many places… and shaped me into the person I am today,” he reflects.

These experiences reflect the broader ethos at BISP—where ambition is encouraged, effort is valued, and every opportunity is seen as a step forward in each student’s individual journey.

We look forward to continuing to share their progress as they pursue the next level in their football careers.