DHL Express and Manchester United Unite to Fulfill Dreams in Rural Thailand
In an inspiring collaboration, DHL Express has teamed up with Manchester United to launch the 'Delivering Dreams' campaign, which aims to uplift the rural community of Mae Suek, Thailand. This initiative has introduced a state-of-the-art, all-weather football pitch to a region where more than 85% of the locals passionately support the iconic Premier League club, Manchester United.
A Lifelong Dream Realized
Located over 140 kilometers from Chiang Mai and more than four hours from the nearest urban center, Mae Suek is a remote area that comprises 11 villages inhabited by around 11,000 residents. Despite their unwavering love for football, harsh weather conditions often make local fields unplayable, dampening the community's enthusiasm for the sport. This new pitch represents not just a piece of land, but a transformational opportunity for the local youth.
During the official opening, Manchester United legend Patrice Evra inaugurated the facility, leading the first training session and celebrating this significant milestone with the community. "It was a moment I won't forget, to see the smiles on the kids' faces as they stepped on this beautiful pitch for the first time. My own childhood experiences inspire me to make these dreams come true for them," Evra remarked.
Support from the Club
The campaign also received backing from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who sent a heartfelt video message to the residents and provided team jerseys for the eager young players. This thoughtful gesture has strengthened the connection between the club and this passionate fan base, where local children often idolize the players on screen.
Playing Through Challenges
The newly established pitch is designed to high FIFA standards and utilizes 4G turf identical to that found at Manchester United's training facilities, ensuring durability and performance amid the local climatic challenges. For the first time, over 1,000 children from two schools and three nearby villages can indulge in daily training sessions regardless of the weather and can even host local tournaments year-round.
Reflecting on the impact of this initiative, the owner of Jericho Farm, the site of the new pitch, expressed joy about creating a space where the community can gather and play. "It warms my heart to know that we finally have a place where children can enjoy their favorite sport, bringing our community closer together."
A Long-Awaited Dream Come True
DHL Express Thailand undertook significant logistical challenges to bring this vision to life, transporting materials from Bangkok over 500 miles in five trucks. The team undertook careful land clearing and excavation to ensure the pitch's readiness for play. Local tribal members also participated in blessing the site upon its completion, reflecting the project's deep cultural significance.
United stars like Mason Mount highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasizing how it allows children in remote areas to access facilities that were previously unavailable. "For many kids in this region, seeing a pitch like this is truly magical. It’s a special moment that they won’t forget, and we're grateful to be part of it," he said.
Connecting Communities
This endeavor is not merely about sports; it embodies DHL Express’s mission to "connect people and improve lives". Elliott Santon, Head of Global Sponsorships at DHL, explained the company’s commitment to using football as a means to unite communities. "This is a proud moment for us to collaborate with Manchester United and enhance the lives of those in Mae Suek, ensuring they have access to quality sporting facilities that can positively influence their futures."
Overall, the 'Delivering Dreams' campaign exemplifies how collaborative efforts can foster change and joy in underserved communities, reminding us of the powerful role sports play in human connection and inspiration.