Phuket Expands Football Presence with Two New Teams in National Leagues

Phuket’s football scene has received an unexpected boost, with the island gaining representation in two additional leagues despite earlier expectations of a seasonal pause.

After the group stage of the BYD Dolphin League 3 wrapped up in March, and with Phuket Andaman FC failing to reach the national round, local football activity was expected to slow down until September. However, developments in April changed that outlook.

Two new teams are now representing Phuket: Phuket United in the Thailand Semi-Pro League and a futsal side under the same name competing in the national futsal competition.

Plans for the football club first surfaced in early March, when open trials were announced for players interested in joining Phuket United. At that stage, it remained uncertain whether the squad would be ready in time for the new season. Nevertheless, the team managed to assemble and officially debuted on April 18.

Their first match took place away in Narathiwat against Nara FC, ending in a narrow 1–0 defeat. Despite the result, the squad showed promise, fielding a youthful lineup with ten players under the age of 21.

A key partner behind the project is the Cruzeiro football academy, long established in Phuket in collaboration with the British International School Phuket. The academy has previously developed players who went on to represent Thailand internationally and compete abroad.

The team is led by Brazilian head coach and manager Eder Jose Guedes Lucas Diniz, who is more commonly referred to as Eder Deniz in club materials.

Phuket United is set to play its first home match on April 26 at Surakul Stadium, facing Suratthani Rajabhat University FC. Upcoming fixtures also include a clash with Phang Nga United.

Meanwhile, futsal fans have seen the revival of a once-prominent club. The legendary “Andaman Pearl,” inactive for about a decade, has returned under the Phuket United banner and will compete in the MEA Futsal Thailand League 2026.

Although newly rebuilt, the futsal team retains the identity of its predecessor, including its blue color scheme, logo, and nickname. Home matches will be held at the Saphan Hin sports complex, the same venue where the original team previously enjoyed major success.

The futsal squad is coached by former Thailand national player Lertchai Israsuwiphakorn. The team’s management includes Benjarong Kitdamnern as manager and Prichawut (Prab) Kisin as president.

Their first official match is scheduled for May 3 in Phuket against Bangkok FC, followed by an away fixture in Prachuap Khiri Khan.