A training stint with an English club may become a reality for the national under-23 squad, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek."I have made several proposals to FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) president Sultan Ahmad Shah on the training stint in England after visiting a football academy there recently.
"I will be getting the feedbacks soon," Ahmad Shabery told reporters in an interview over the "Sports on Traxx 101" radio programme at Angkasapuri here on Thursday.Ahmad Shabery said once a decision was made, the ministry would unfold a football development programme, for which a RM10 million allocation was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently.
Meanwhile, FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said he accompanied Ahmad Shabery in his visit to Everton Youth Academy and they discussed with Everton FC on the possibility of getting their assistance in the national football development programme."We have also made a request for our under-23 squad to train with the club," said Azzuddin when met at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya.
He said FAM would study the Youth and Sports Ministry's proposals but it would be pointless merely to attend training in England but not taking part in any competition."It is still not definite whether there will be an overseas training stint for the under-23 squad.
The footballers are also bound by contracts with state teams and clubs and this must be honoured as the Malaysian leagues had started."However, a monthly centralised training will continue as planned," he said, adding that, a committee comprising representatives from the National Sports Council, the Education Ministry and FAM would study various football development proposals which could be implemented.
On the Everton Youth Academy, he said it had a successful football development programme, starting at the tender age of eight."It has produced many top-notched players like Manchester United's Wayne Rooney," added Azzuddin.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI still remember Everton Football in Community concept ( a grassroot program ) was presented to KBS some time ago by Yamuna Nair.There were no follow up and why was not there any takers then. I thought it was a splendid program for youth via the community.I think you know about it and it could be implemented here without going over to Everton. I attended the one of the clinics conducted by the coaches from Everton and I think our local coaches can do the same if they are willing to do their job honestly.If at all any development program wants to be successful, FAM/MSSM/MSN must seriously review the selection process of coaches. Check with FAM and MSSM whether the right coaches were selected or it was selected on a convenient way to fill in the blanks.So before going off to Everton , look back and check where and how we went wrong.Let's not repeat the same old process again and then wait for another policy maker to come around to champion the issue. Don't let history repeat itself. Keep up your good job , Chris.
Let's do it our way.