FAM boss wants to go back to the grassroots .. We Have heard this before

The Football Association Malaysia's main future vision is to reinstate the lost pride in football, which Malaysia used to command in the past, says FAM President, Sultan Ahmad Shah.

"As we all know, a weak youth development programme would eventually lead to a weak national team. Hence, going back to the grassroots would be the only solution, which should also be our main priority," said Ahmad Shah.

He said Malaysia needed to create a strong base of players who are technically, tactically, physiologically and psychologically sound and strong in order to develop the sport further.

He added that in football, players learn to win and also to lose.

"Both factors contribute equally to the school of football. At the end of the day if young footballers can take with them the education that has been provided by football, they will be stronger people.

"We have to turn football into a school of life by forging links between football, schools, the government and private organisation," said Ahmad Shah.

He said this in a speech text that was read by Sabah Football Association (Safa) Deputy President-cum-AFC U-13 2009 Advisor, Datuk Lawrence Gimbang, who represented the FAM president at the launching of the Asian Football Championship Under-13 2009 held at the Likas Sports Complex here, Tuesday.

Also present were AFC Project Manager, Dr. R. Annathurai, AFC U-13 Deputy Chairman, Subramaniam E. R., Safa Secretary-cum-AFC Assistant Project Manager, Harry Baking and various AFC Officials, among others.

The AFC, which is being held from May 24 to June 7, is the fourth consecutive year that it is being held in Kota Kinabalu.

A total of ten countries are taking part namely Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

There will not be any outright winner or champion emerging from this festival as it is not a competitive championship. Participating teams and its players will be given certificates of participation by AFC.

AFC's mission is to increase the football playing base and ensure a positive and enjoyable life experience for children and young adults by implementing programmes and activities that raise the standard of performance overall and support the development of each individual player within the game of football in all Asian countries.

Its aim is to afford Under-14 players the opportunity to play and gain experience in which the goal is to achieve certain physical, technical and tactical development rather than emphasis on winning.

The programme is also designed to educate officials, coaches, and players in fair play and positive behaviour and encourages countries to start youth development plan at an early age.

To promote fair play, players who exhibit good sporting behaviour during the game will be shown the Green Card, such as by helping an injured player, apologising and shaking hands with the opponent for unintentional foul play and for kicking the ball out of play when an opponent is injured and needs medical attention.

The AFC is regarded as a platform for identifying talented players as well as to collect data of Asian age group players.

Various workshops and clinics were organised to help develop the skills and abilities of not just the young players but also coaches, referees and other officials. - Daily Express- Sabah