Grassroots the way
forward
IT was a great grassroots-level event for football, with about 1,000 children competing in the 17 th edition Datuk Chu Ah Nge International Junior Soccer tournament at the club’s Sports Annex in Bukit Kiara, there were no talent scouts present to spot these young stars.
Former international defender Datuk Santokh Singh, who took time to come and witness these kids in action, expressed the same sentiments when he said, “Where are the talent scouts? Busy looking for heritage players!
“Who says there is no talent in Malaysia? These are the talents of the future. They need to be spotted early and nurtured,” he said with deep regret.
Indeed, this is the 17 th edition of the tournament, and it is rare to see any talent scouts at this tournament.
At least six to seven players from the Royal Selangor Club Junior Soccer Development Programme from this tournament in the last ten years have graduated to play for teams in the M-League.
Several other players from clubs and academies who competed in this tournament have also graduated into the M-League teams.
Is the Datuk Chu tournament not on the radar of not only the FA of Malaysia but State FA and club talent scouts?
Or is there no talent scouts with these organisations?
The Minister of Sports, who took time off her busy schedule to be the guest of honour of the Datuk Chu tournament this morning, pledged RM20,000 to defray the cost of organising the tournament.
Definitely, she saw something worthy of this tournament to gain support from the Ministry.
She also noted that girls were also participants of this tournament and said in her speech, “This is a great event for grassroots, and I am happy to see girls too are competing. This is a boost for women’s football.”
A total of 81 teams and 972 players from clubs and academies are competing in 5 age groups – Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16.
The two-day tournament has teams from Singapore, Brunei, Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam competing besides Malaysia.
Hannah also acknowledged the parents present and their support to allow their children to pursue their dreams in the game.
However, Hannah reminded parents to ensure that the clubs and academies they send their children to are registered to enjoy tax exemption for assessment.
In September in Kota Kinabalu, Hannah first announced that parents who send their children for sports training or undergo such activity themselves might qualify for personal tax relief starting next year.
She had said this could be among the ways to encourage parents to send their kids for training, which would, in turn, help sports development in the country.
During Budget 2024 announcement, the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, announced a tax exemption for lifestyle-related purchases of sports equipment and activities, limited to RM1,000, which also extends to expenses related to sports training.
This is something that can be taken advantage of by everyone as any coaching, training, or lessons qualify for the tax exemption.
“The aim of such a tax exemption is that it encourage parents to invest in sports for their children and in doing so will boost the sports industry,” she said.
“To the parents present here today, I would like to thank you for investing time and money for your children, and I hope that this incentive will be beneficial to you,” she added.
When the Minister sees something good in this tournament and throws her support behind it, it should open the eyes who are blind to this tournament.
Even the FA of Malaysia believes that every journey in football begins at the grassroots.
At the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), they believe that football is for everyone. Football can be played by everyone regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnic or social background, and level of fitness. It can be played everywhere and anywhere.
Football is a school of life. Fair play, team spirit, and camaraderie are just a few of the many values advocated by football. Football is also fun! Having fun is the most important thing in football. Coaches teach the game, not victory at all costs.
Grassroots football must be simple, exciting, and rewarding for children.
All FAM’s grassroots initiatives are in line with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s Grassroots Charter, an endorsement tool, which is to support Member Associations in their core task of implementing grassroots programs and activities which will achieve grassroots growth in Malaysian Football.
Their new grassroots brand, SupaRimau, is designed to raise the standards of football academies in the country. SupaRimau is one of FAM’s initiatives that are in line with the F: 30 Roadmap, to build character and encourage children to pursue their sporting passion with the right attitude.
This initiative will be a platform to serve and offer our children a safe and positive environment, an opportunity to showcase their talents, gain match experience, and most importantly, a fun place for them to enjoy football.
They have also introduced grassroots coaching course to ensure quality coaching is introduced at the lowest level.
FAM have also introduced SupaRimau Charter (Grassroots Charter) aiming to promote mass participation among football academies and also desires to support them in preparing high-quality grassroots activities for the many young players in Malaysia.
“This initiative is FAM’s commitment to expanding its involvement at the grassroots level, which will raise the standards of all football academies and the quality of their programmes,” said Datuk Haji Hamidin Haji Mohd Amin, President of FAM.
FAM SupaRimau Charter has an accreditation and evaluation system process that aims to standardise the academys structure and processes.
With such emphasis to move forward in the game, we certainly need to go back to school to move forward.
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