KUCHING: The PETRONAS Youth Football Clubs Tournament (PYFCT) 2026 will return with its biggest edition yet, bringing together about 4,100 players and officials from 164 teams as Sarawak’s flagship grassroots football programme continues its rapid expansion.
Since its introduction in 2024, the tournament has expanded from a single division in Kuching to three zones covering Kuching, Bintulu and Mukah, with participation growing to about 4,100 players and officials this year.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the tournament had grown tremendously since its introduction in 2024, and had become one of Sarawak’s premier youth football development platforms.
“This is only the third year, but it has grown very, very fast. I am excited to see the development of football because programmes like this are helping football grow across Sarawak,” he said during the PETRONAS Youth Football Closed Tournament and PETRONAS Youth Football Champions League 2026 press conference today.
This year’s tournament will feature 84 teams in Kuching, 56 teams in Bintulu and 24 teams in Mukah, with competitions scheduled from July to November.
The Kuching leg will run from July 25 to October 24, followed by Bintulu from August 1 to November 8 and Mukah from September 26 to November 15.
The top teams will then advance to the PETRONAS Youth Football Champions League in Kuching from December 6 to 13.
Abdul Karim said the addition of Mukah and the zonal format would expand quality youth football opportunities while allowing teams from neighbouring divisions to participate, further strengthening grassroots football development throughout Sarawak.
“I wouldn’t be surprised in the next few years, it might even extend to Limbang, Miri or Kapit,” he added.
Besides providing competitive opportunities, Abdul Karim said the tournament also plays an important role in nurturing discipline, teamwork and character among young athletes.
“Every match is an opportunity to learn, every match is an opportunity to grow and inspire others. While trophies celebrate achievement, it is perseverance, teamwork and character that will define your future,” he said.
Also present during the press conference were Football Association of Sarawak’s (FAS) President and tournament president, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman; PETRONAS Sarawak’S General Manager and tournament co-chairperson, Norazibah Md Rabu; and Lea Holdings Sdn Bhd’s Managing Director, Raymond Sim Hee Pang.
