Equipment Man Mike Checks In

Mike poses with the local children during a break from their soccer matches.

Wizards Equipment Manager Mike Flaherty has spent the last couple weeks of his off-season in Maha Sarakham, Thailand on a personal trip. Mike also took some left-over Wizards equipment as a good-will gesture to some of the local children who, as you will see below, love playing soccer. Check out the update we received via email from Mike yesterday:

I went to Maha Sarakham, Thailand this off-season to the small village of Ban Ponethong and had the privilege of spending 3 great days with a village of new Wizards fans! Thanks to Robb (Heineman) I was given the opportunity to represent the Wizards on a kind of good will trip to Thailand and to bring soccer equipment and school supplies to some small village schools. Ban Ponethong is a small village in the Northeast of Thailand near Laos in the Isaan region. It is widely known as the poorest area in Thailand. I went with a friend who went to school and grew up there. The word got out that I was coming to the village and being a Farang (westerner), this was a big deal. I felt like a bit of a celebrity when I arrived and people came out of there homes to say Sawadee (hello). I had the chance to meet the entire village and through my friend talk to most of them and pose for photos with them. I was given a great tour of the village and had the chance to see the school and temple grounds as well as some family homes. I had a new perspective on the things that I have and take for granted on a daily basis in both work and my private life. Getting to see the kids become excited by a new ball was, not to sound corny... but uplifting. I was able to give the school some Wizards memorabilia as well... the biggest treat to the kids were the mini team posters that I brought.

Then the kids wanted to play, and for me, this was the best part. We played for three days stopping for meals, some sleep and Nam (water) for the Farang. It was great getting up in the morning and after going for a walk around the village finding the kids waiting for me at the house ready to play. We played every day with out being able to talk just laugh and play. After a few days, kids were practicing their English by saying the names of the players on the posters. We played on the school practice field and playground that was made up of dirt, gravel and some dried grass but to the kids it was the pitch! Most of them played barefoot as did I the first day... just the first day. The school said thank-you by performing a Drum Dance taking up the main street in the Village. I was also invited to the school to hear the students give speeches they memorized on their accomplishments for the year. These kids were selected to present these speeches in a competition to honor the King. It was a great privilege to be a part of it, and I truly felt honored to be there.

The Drum Dance Mike witnessed through the village.

Looking back, I think of all the privileges I have and the honor of being a part of such a great club. I sometimes take for granted that I go to work and walk out onto a perfectly groomed practice pitch and get the chance to be part of a professional training session. Thanks again to the owners, technical staff, front office, players and fans for allowing me to reach out on their behalf!