It runs the risk of becoming waterlogged but this floating pitch is in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.
The pitch was built because villagers could play on sand (above) only during low tide (Picture: Caters)
The floating structure was the idea of the inhabitants of a fishing village built on stilts. They did not have enough space to play football so they created an unusual pitch and built a fence around it.
When school finishes at 4.30pm, the children rush to the ground to enjoy a game in the setting sun. Should any of them kick the ball too high, the villagers are forced to jump into the clear sea to retrieve it.
‘It was not easy but people from the village wanted to enjoy football as much as possible,’ said Adharee, a 12-year-old who is one of the 2,000 people living in the village. ‘It took a long time but our village now has a pitch on water.
‘Every day after fishing, the whole village gathers at the pitch. I think that we have the most beautiful pitch in the world.’ The football fans of the village – Koh Paynee, off Thailand – used to play on a strip of sand but it was free from the sea only during low tides.
The floating pitch before the surrounding fence was added (Picture: Caters)
They built a small floating pitch from sticks and rope that became so popular it led to the latest structure.
It has been highlighted by A World of Football – a not-for-profit soccer organisation that encourages the playing of the sport worldwide.
