ABOUT US

The Amore Cup, organized in Mae Sot in 2013, marks the “unofficial” beginning of PlayOnside. This cup was initiated by Daen and Germana, who used the money from their wedding to organize the four-week event, which gathered more than 200 boys and girls. The aim of the tournament was to build bridges between the Thai and Myanmar communities living in Mae Sot and to break gender stereotypes, using the power of football. Unfortunately, the main objectives of the tournament were not fully achieved. However, it showcased the passion and eagerness of migrant children to participate and learn, highlighting the lack of organized sports activities within the migrant community. To address this gap, we started regular training sessions with one of the schools. Word quickly spread, and more schools expressed interest in participating. Witnessing firsthand the impact the program was having on children and recognizing the potential to involve more participants and address other issues in the community, PlayOnside was officially founded at the end of 2013. Since then, PlayOnside has grown and evolved over the years, establishing itself as an important actor in the migrant education system in Mae Sot. It utilizes the power of sports and play to build a better present and a brighter future for the migrant community displaced in Mae Sot.