Made Possible By
All About the 2024 Asia Cup
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
December 6-8, 2024
An official AFL sanctioned tournament, the inaugural Asia Cup will be held in Vietnam, December 6-8, 2024.
The Thailand Tigers are proud to introduce and support the Thailand Serpents – Thailand’s first all Thai National Australian Rules Football Team – who will represent the Kingdom in this historic event for Aussie Rules in Thailand and Asia.
What’s happening?
An official AFL sanctioned tournament, the inaugural Asia Cup will be held in Vietnam, December 6-8, 2024.
Players must be nationals of the country they play for and cannot have played footy in Australia during their formative years.
For the first time, only local talent from across Asia will have a chance to represent their country playing Aussie Rules. A truly significant moment in the players lives and for the development of community and Australian Rules Football in Thailand and Asia.
Who’s going?
The Thailand Serpents, the first all Thai National Australian Rules Football Teams, represent the realisation of a dream to develop local Aussie Rules players and the strengthening of foundations for future growth of the game in Thailand, especially in the women’s league.
The men’s team, led by home grown Thailand Tigers talents, rising star Mani Saunders, and club stalwart and life member Rut Ngarmariyakul, includes Phuket Power defender Tan Theampipop and is made up predominately of members of the Thailand Tigers Communities United by Sport (CUBS) program.
Since 2016 The Tigers have been working in partnership with the Duang Prateep Foundation to provide support for education, employment pathways and the development of life skills and confidence through Aussie Rules and involvement with the club. The chance to represent their country at the Asia Cup on their first international trip is an incredible opportunity and pays tribute to the success of the grassroots program which has played a crucial role in mentoring and guiding these young men and women on and off the field.
The women’s team, led by Tiger Mother, Nongcran ‘Tud’ Saunders and Thailand women’s footy shining light Irravadee ‘Dee’ Makris, comprises a number of code jumping new recruits drawn to the dynamism of Aussie Rules and club culture of the Tigers. Together with three proud and excited CUBS, these fit and skilful athletes promise a bright future at the Asia Cup and for women’s footy in Thailand beyond.
Who made it possible?
Sending 36 players and support staff to Vietnam requires significant resources, even with the AFL covering tournament costs, and the Serpents journey to the Asia Cup would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Official Team Sponsor: Australia Visas Thailand
Australia Visas Thailand support has been pivotal in making the Serpents participation in the inaugural Asia Cup possible. Directors Simon and Nitt Wetherell were drawn to the community involvement and opportunities to develop deeper Aust-Thai community connections. Australia Visas Thailand’s sponsorship will continue beyond the Asia Cup as a major sponsor of the Thailand Tigers throughout 2025, helping to grow the game and develop on and off field opportunities for the CUBS and community members. Visa experts by day, Nitt, Natt & Nan will also star on the field as they proudly represent Thailand in the women’s team.
Australian Visas Thailand offers expert visa and migration services for Thai citizens seeking to travel, work, or study in Australia. Their services include assistance with tourist, partner, student, and skilled migration visas, providing personalised support to ensure a smooth application process.
https://australianvisas-thailand.com
Gold Sponsor: Traffio
Traffio’s passion for collaboration extends beyond software and are proud to support initiatives like the Thailand Serpents to foster connection and community spirit. UK Director, Jeff Hills, has significant ties to the Thailand Tigers and CUBS and the cause they work for. “This is why it was a no brainer in Traffio jumping on as a sponsor to support the great work”.
Traffio is a software solution revolutionising how businesses across the world manage operations, scheduling, and logistics. Founded in 2013, Traffio started in Australia Traffio now serves customers in New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa, and the USA. Built initially for the Temporary Traffic Management Industry, our platform has evolved to help a range of industries and businesses streamline operations, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency. With a focus on people—our team, customers, and partners—we aim to create impactful solutions that make work effective and enjoyable.
Silver Sponsor: The Flower Chic
Owned by women’s team captain, Tud, The Flower Chic is proud to support this milestone in Thai sport and Aussie Rules history. Unique and custom flower arrangements for all occasions are her off field specialty.
https://fb.com/theflowerchiconline
Bronze Sponsor: Nexus Dynamics
The first sponsor to come on board, Nexus Dynamics was founded by Thailand Tiger Matthew “Eskii” Eskildsen and helped lay the foundation and belief that Asia Cup was an achievable dream.
Nexus Dynamics is a pioneering Thai start-up in the next generation of the automotive industry, set to revolutionize the way we ride. The company is developing innovative plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) kits, initially for scooters and motorcycles. Their mission is to lower carbon emissions while delivering exhilarating riding experiences and enabling off-grid power solutions.
Nexus Dynamics – Boutique electrification for a sustainable future.
AFL Asia
Also a long-time sponsor of the Thailand Tigers community programs and development of Aussie Rules in Thailand, AFL Asia provides developments funds and support that have directly enabled the CUBS to improve their football skills and participate, not only in the Asia Cup, but also international tournaments such as the ANZAC Cup and Asian Championships over the years.
Supporters:
Huge thanks to all our individual supporters from the Thailand Tigers and wider community. Special appreciation to Manimal, Bobby Bedford, J-Mac, Jules, Jaydyn, Jessica, Hasto, General, Coyote, Nam, Pez, Jazza, G-Mac, Jonno, Yoda, Hillsy, Welbs whose contributions on and off the field have powered the path to Asia Cup.
Communities United by Sport (CUBS) Sponsors
No thanks would be complete without recognition of the long-term sponsors of the CUBS programs. Their support has enabled the Thailand Tigers, in partnership with the Duang Prateep Foundation, to provide support and mentorship on and off field to more than 40 young men and women over the years, culminating in 15 being eligible and ready to represent Thailand at Asia Cup.
Program Sponsor: Austhai Geophysical
Gerard McNeill and the team at Austhai Geophysical have provided enormous support for the CUBS enabling scholarships for the boys and participation in domestic and international tournaments hosted in Thailand. ATG also provided the first internship for one of the young women CUBS and looks to further support development of education and career pathways.
Austhai Geophysical Consultants provides expert geophysical and geotechnical exploration services across Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific. Their offerings include survey acquisition, data processing, UAV systems, and specialized instruments for various industries. With operations in over 30 countries, Austhai is committed to delivering accurate results, even in the most challenging environments.
Female CUB Scholarship Sponsors – AusCham CSR
A long-term sponsor of the Tigers community programs, AusCham’s support enabled the expansion of the CUBS program to include girls and young women. The connections and support of the AusCham members and community also open doors for creating more off field opportunities for the CUBS.
The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AusCham Thailand) is a prominent organization dedicated to fostering business relations between Australia and Thailand. Established in 1977, it serves as a vital contact and information point for Australian businesses operating in Thailand, those looking to trade with or invest in the country, and Thai enterprises interested in engaging with Australia.
AustCham Thailand offers a range of services, including networking events, membership benefits, and resources to support its members’ business endeavours.
https://www.austchamthailand.com/
Program Partner: Duang Prateep Foundation
Since 2016, The Thailand Tigers have partnered with Duang Prateep Foundation to provide educational support and off field opportunities through the game of Australian Rules Football, and we are excited about the future opportunities we can create together with our sponsors and Aust-Thai community.
The Duang Prateep Foundation (DPF), established on August 31, 1978, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and communities in Thailand. DPF’s mission encompasses creating equal rights and opportunities, supporting development, rehabilitating disadvantaged youth, enhancing community safety, and promoting drug elimination efforts. Their diverse programs include education initiatives, child abuse prevention, welfare support for the elderly and slum youths, community kindergartens, educational sponsorships, and rehabilitation centres. DPF operates over 20 projects in these areas, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by impoverished communities.