KUCHING: Sarawak is set to become the focal point of youth football as it prepares to host the Sarawak International Youth Football Championship 2025 (SIYFC25).
This global tournament will take place from May 28 to June 1 at Sarawak Stadium, Kuching, bringing together young players from both local and international football communities.
SIYFC25 CEO Nazree Nassir highlighted the importance of hosting the event in Sarawak, describing it as a significant step toward establishing the state as a global hub for grassroots football.
“We hope that the championship will provide young athletes with a valuable opportunity to develop their skills while contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s football ecosystem,”he said.
He said this during a press conference at the soft launching of the SIYFC at Sarawak Stadium on Tuesday (Feb 25).
“The championship will provide a competitive platform for players in the U8, U10, and U12 age categories, offering them an opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage,” he said.
“The tournament is designed not only to cultivate sportsmanship and cross-cultural connections but also to position Sarawak as a hub for sports tourism and grassroots football development.
“Beyond the matches, the championship will feature a range of additional events that enrich the experience for participants and spectators alike.
“SIYFC25 is made possible through the support of the Football Association of Sarawak (FA Sarawak), Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) Sarawak, and the Faculty of Sports Science & Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM),” he added.
Also present at the press conference were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol; and FAS president Abang Zulkarnain Abang Abdul Rahman.
