As part of their Masters 2012 promotion John Barnes - Liverpool legend and England international and former Man United Right Back and fellow England international turned TV pundit, Paul Parker joined legendary Thai striker Kiatisak Senamuang in introducing Masters Football to Thailand’s sporting fanatics.  

On Wednesday 21st March the 3 legends of football spoke to fans about what its really like to play at the highest level at some of the most famous clubs in the world, they also told fans how it feels to compete for your country in the single most popular sport on the planet.

If you didnt make it down to to Terminal 21 on the 21st here’s a short highlight of what you missed:

Thailand Masters

The Thailand Masters will be the 3rd instalment of 6 tours scheduled for 2012. The 22nd of March saw a thrilling tournament in Malaysia, with the Liverpool Masters led by Robbie Fowler lifting the trophy after a nail biting final again Man Utd Masters.  If you’re wondering what Masters Football is all about check out this footage from Malaysia:

Info

Where: Impact Arena, Bangkok

When:  5pm – Sunday, 20th May 2012

Tickets:

Team Sheet:

Expectations were massive in the weeks leading up to the Standard Chartered EPL Masters Football Malaysia Cup 2012 and we’re happy to report that this eagerly-awaited event did not disappoint.

Thousands of fans from throughout the region flocked to Stadium Malawati in Shah Alam where the tournament was held for the first time since it’s inaugural year in 2008. Flags, scarves and a sea of various football strips created a mass of colour on the day as legions of supporters descended upon the stadium. Tickets in hand, legions of fans approached in a whirl of excitement ready to catch the legends of Manchester United, Liverpool, the EPL All Stars and Malaysia in a rare expedition of the beautiful game.

The afternoon kicked off with the customary soccer carnival where fans were able to meet, greet and get signed autographs with household names like Andy Cole, Patrik Berger and Frank Lebeouf. The carnival was great fun for all, especially the kids who loved getting stuck into the penalty simulators and inflatable goalmouths dotted around outside the arena. Fans of all abilities were thrilled to test their own sharp-shooting skills against that of the pros as we all got warmed-up for the big event. Also at the carnival were some of the regions’ finest football freestylers and these guys really stunned the crowd with their footballing wizardry as we grew ever closer to the big kick-off.

While the festivities continued outside the atmosphere inside the stadium began to swell to fever pitch. The Malaysian Ultras arrived in drones and created an unbelievable spectacle where, adorned in black and yellow they roared their support in full voice to the sounds of drums and song. Kopites from across the continent gathered with giant flags chanting ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ while their red rivals’ vocal appreciation for Manchester United added fuel to the electric atmosphere inside the stadium. We begun with a celebrity match where Astro Super Sport TV dispatched with Media Prima Radio, 3 goals to nil. It was then time for the legends to take the stage.   

2012 had promised to be the most exciting tournament yet and it certainly lived up to the hype. Faustino Asprilla combined beautifully with World-Cup winner Frank Leboeuf for the All-Stars. Andrew Cole continually found the back of the net for United with several thunderous strikes, most notably helping to dispatch Malaysia 8-2 to force the EPL All Stars out of the final. Malaysia’s Zainal Abidin Hassan showed flashes of brilliance while Robbie Fowler was utterly clinical in front of goal for Liverpool scoring a record breaking 14 goals.

In the end it was the ruthless finishing of Fowler coupled with the invention of his teammates Steve Mcmanaman and Patrick Berger that inspired the reds to victory. The Anfield club netted an unprecedented 28 goals on the day but the moment that drew everyone to their feet was surely the emphatic last-minute equaliser by Fowler in the final. With that trademark left foot, Robbie rifled his shot home with just moments to go to make the score 4-4 vs. arch-rivals Manchester United. That pivotal strike took the match to a nerve-rattling penalty shoot-out.

 In the shoot-out Liverpool were unshakable; – they didn’t miss once. Meanwhile Manchester United were left kicking themselves at losing a second Masters final in a row. Holding the trophy aloft triumphantly, this day belonged to Liverpool and their mercurial striker Robbie Fowler. Fowler ended the tournament with a record breaking 14 goals and was subsequently awarded with the player of the tournament award. The drama of the day left Liverpool fans elated while the neutrals were thoroughly entertained by the frantically fast-paced action on show. Not to mention the huge haul of goals that were dispatched to brilliantly by the legends. It was a fantastic day out and we can’t wait to bring the boys back next year with some even bigger names on the team sheets and with a bit of luck, even more goals than this year.

Results:

Planned to coincide with the launch of the 2012 European Football Championships being hosted in the neighbouring countries of Ukraine and Poland on June 8^th. The International School of Moscow has partnered with Football Focus Asia and Tottenham Hotspur Football Development to bring the first official Tottenham Hotspur Football Development Camp to Moscow.

Scheduled to run for four days from Tuesday 5th June to Friday 8^th June and will be open to students from Year 1 to Year 9.

This camp offers an excellent chance to develop football skills with high calibre coaches from one the top flight clubs in the EPL.  The training offers a holistic approach to football development giving participants detailed knowledge and a valuable insight into training at the highest level of football.

Tottenham Hotspur Football Development – Kuala Lumpur (April)

The highlight of many children’s Easter break was the Tottenham Hotspur Football Development training camp hosted by BSKL.  Tottenham Hotspur flew over Luke Jones and Billy Manners, both of whom are Tottenham Hotspur Football Development coaches, in the UK and internationally.

More news and info straight from the source, click below:
 

Phil joined Football Focus and a legion of reds fans in a fantastic afternoon of BBQ and free-flow drinks where supporters were given the opportunity to meet Phil, get autographs and ask questions.  Most memorably however, we were adorned with unique tales showing what it means to actually be part of one of the most celebrated football clubs in the world. The highs and the lows, what King Kenny would say in the dressing room, how Robbie Fowler used to prepare for a game etc. These are the kinds of moments that leave fans hanging on every word, and when Phil speaks, all you can do is listen.

The BBQ was a successful event, with Phil Thompson, synonymous with Liverpool’s success and heritage, able to engage with the supporters who share the same passion for the club that he does. It was a hugely enjoyable afternoon for all of us and gave a refreshing insight into the behind-the-scenes details of the Premier League that we’ve always wondered about but never known.

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Jesper Blomqvist and Jason McAteer, so often adversaries in the premiership in their prime when they turned out for their clubs were in town to give fans the unique opportunity to see them take to the field once more and this time it was to be in local colours, no less.

Having reacquainted themselves with the nitty-gritty of the beautiful game it was soon time for the lads to actually meet the fans, where supporters were given the chance to not only meet their heroes but also compete against them in a spot-kick simulator competition. Old shirts were dusted off, many autographs were signed, and two tired footballing legends departed leaving a sea of smiling, satisfied fans behind them.

signing-session

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