FAM to see to leagues in the States (The Malay Mail)

THE FA of Malaysia will soon be directly involved in the organising of
leagues at the State level.
  FAM are disturbed by the quality and organisation of most of the State
leagues while in some States there are no such leagues.
  FAM have decided to go to the grassroots to ensure at least some
development.
  FAM deputy president, Tengku Abdullah, who is also the technical and
development committee chairman, said plans are underway to ensure all
State FAs organise local leagues.
  They are to be run simultaneously on specified days of the week.
  "The State FAs are supposed to be organising local leagues to spot and
groom talent. They are also supposed to hold a competition for clubs,"
said Tengku Abdullah.
  "But most states have not lived up to their obligations and now FAM will
ensure local competitions are organised and run smoothly and effectively."
  Tengku Abdullah said a paper will be drawn up to ensure the league is
run uniformly in all the States.
  Despite the substantial grants, State FAs have been neglecting soccer
development. Their only emphasis seems to be the M-League.
  State FAs assemble age-group teams for a couple of weeks for a carnival
national tournament and then disband them.
  FAM insist on longer training periods and proper tournaments.
  Club soccer offers an opportunity for young players to stay involved
after leaving school and before making the grade at a higher level.
  Club teams like Umno, Prisons, MCIS, PKNS, Hong Chin, Penang Port
Commission, Sultan Suliaman Club, KL City Hall, Sungei Tong, Perak SEDC,
Kelantan PKNK, Terengganu Municipality Town Council, UMBC used to produce
players of caliber for the States and the nation.
  But that was long ago.
  For the national body to do the work of the State FAs in developing
players is a crying shame.
  Still, someone has to do it.
                               (END)