Latest news with #NationalFootballDevelopmentProgramme
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
National Women's League scores big with RM840,000 boost
KUALA LUMPUR: Women's football in Malaysia has long been sidelined, but that era may be ending. Thanks to historic investment, stronger institutional backing and even interest from international scouts, the women's game is finally stepping out of the shadows. At the launch of the National Women's Football League (LWN) on Thursday, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Joehari Ayub sent a clear message — it's time women's football got the recognition it deserves. "This year, for the first time, the Ministry is channeling RM840,000 in matching grants to support the women's league. It's the most we've ever given — and it's just the beginning," said Yeoh. She added that the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil will now be open to the women's national team. "If the men's team isn't playing, let the women train and play there. They deserve to be on the same stage," she said. FAM president Joehari, who has been vocal about lifting the women's game, said increased interest from sponsors was a clear sign of progress. "Sponsors are coming in because the performance and growth of women's football are improving. Even FIFA told me they're impressed with how far we've come," he said. This season's LWN will run for six months and feature eight teams — a major upgrade from the stop-start tournaments of the past. The league is jointly organised by FAM and Sports Media Malaysia. Yeoh highlighted how women's football has often borne the brunt of budget cuts. "That's unfair. When you give them support and visibility, they deliver results," she said. On concerns that resources are still skewed towards the men's game, Joehari was quick to push back. "There is no bias. Every level — from youth to senior, men and women — is being supported. That's why I travelled to Australia to ensure the women's team had the same exposure and opportunities as the men," he said. Yeoh also hinted at a possible shake-up of the National Football Development Programme (NFDP), with discussions underway for FAM to take full control of the youth pipeline, including the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD). Whether that handover happens this year or later, one thing is certain: women's football in Malaysia is no longer an afterthought. "This isn't charity. This is investment — real, sustained, meaningful investment," said Yeoh.
The Star
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Three AMD players selected for trials with Bosnian outfit
PETALING JAYA: Three players from Akademi Mokhtar Dahari (AMD) have been selected for trial sessions with Bosnian Premier League club FK Sarajevo. This opportunity comes as a result of the National Football Development Programme ( DP) and the National Sports Council's (NSC) ongoing efforts to raise the standards of local footballers to international levels. The trial, which started on July 5 and will end on July 26, reflects AMD's mission of developing world-class talent through international exposure and partnerships. Two Under-17 players from AMD, striker Izzuddin Afif Nazaruddin and midfielder Ilhaam Azani Mohd Azamin, have been called up for this trial. Both players represented Malaysia in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers held in Laos and are currently competing in the President Cup with AMD's Under-17 squad. Joining them is striker Iman Danish Mohd Shukor from AMD's Under-16 team. The 16-year-old recently featured in the FIFA Youth Series in Zurich, Switzerland, as part of the national Under-16 squad and is presently active in the Under-18 Youth Cup. This initiative would not have been possible without the unwavering support of FK Sarajevo owners Ismir Mirvic and Tan Sri Vincent Tan. Their efforts have provided Malaysian players with a platform to showcase their abilities on the European stage. 'The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have also lent strong backing to the initiative, contributing technical expertise and facilitating international competition exposure, further strengthening the AMD players' readiness for global challenges,' said a statement from the club. 'Through this opportunity with FK Sarajevo, NSC and AMD, we aim to elevate local talent onto the global stage, bringing prestige to Malaysian football and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the national team in future tournaments.' The selected players now carry not just their dreams but the hopes of a nation eager to see its football stars shine beyond its borders.
Sinar Daily
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
Super League club closure: A blow beyond the pitch, threatening football ecosystem
Club closure highlights neglect of local football future Those expected to be affected include stadium owners who lose rental income, as well as ticketing and security operators. - Inset: Associate Professor Dr Zulakbal Abd Karim SHAH ALAM - The closure of a football club in the Super League impacts far more than just the players on the pitch — it disrupts the livelihoods of many who depend on Malaysia's professional football ecosystem. Sports analyst Associate Professor Dr Zulakbal Abd Karim pointed out that many people don't realise how deeply the effects spread when a club withdraws from the league. 'If a club shuts down and withdraws, it's not only the players, technical staff and management who suffer. The ripple effects extend to many other stakeholders,' he said. Those affected include stadium owners who lose rental income, ticketing and security operators, match-day volunteers, official merchandise suppliers and small traders and food vendors around the stadium who rely on weekly sales. More concerning, he added, is that when a flagship club folds, every level of its youth development — from the President's Cup squad to the Under-19, Under-17 and Under-14 teams — also disappears. 'That weakens our talent pool significantly. Development centres such as the National Football Development Programme (AMD) will struggle to find fresh prospects for Harimau Malaya. Eventually, we may have to depend even longer on naturalised players,' he added. Zulakbal compared the situation to the Malay proverb, 'kera di hutan disusukan, anak di rumah mati kelaparan' — taking care of outsiders or unimportant matters while neglecting those who are truly important or close to you — a scenario that must be avoided to protect the future of Malaysian football. He believes it is time for clubs to stage a comeback by adopting sustainable restructuring plans, rebranding the team, clearing old debts and appointing professionals to guide the club back on track. 'We have plenty of experts and resources in this country. Football is Malaysia's top sport, loved by all demographics. With genuine effort and clear direction, I'm confident we can rise again,' he said.
