GRASSROOTS development is one of the vital elements of any sport. And without an effective programme from this level, it will be virtually impossible to reap success.
Football is not an exception. Grassroots development programmes are the main thrust of the sport as it ensures young players are exposed to the highest technical skills. That way, raw talent is unearthed.
In Selangor, football is quite close to the hearts of the people. And the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari till today, is a legend in the state.
In the rich tradition of Selangor football, several grassroots clubs have mushroomed, producing a wealth of young talents.
One such club is TSS FC, owned by Tengku Shakirinal Sulaiman Shah, or Tengku Nana, as he is affectionately known.
Tengku Nana is no stranger to Selangor football, where he has been active from youth squads to the Selangor Veterans team.
Driven by a passion for football, Tengku Nana has a dream — contribute to the overall improvement of the game in Malaysia.
Being a visionary, Tengku Nana has decided to invest in grassroots development.
His sons, Tengku Mahmood Shah (10 years) and Tengku Sulaiman Shah (7 years) share also a great interest in football.
It was one of the reasons why Tengku Nana set up TSS FC.
As Tengku Nana reminisced, he said it was such a meaningful and unique experience.
"When I started TSS FC, I didn't know what to expect.
"I am so used to the excitement at the highest level. At that time, it was all about going to the stadium to support your favourite team," he said yesterday.
"But it seems like the landscape has changed for me. Now it is all about grassroots.
"If people ask me today if I have regrets, it would be a stoic 'No'.
"I'm very excited about the potential of TSS FC. It is an experience that does not have a price tag. Here is an opportunity to take care of talented young players in the 7-12 age-group. I wouldn't sacrifice this for anything."
Tengku Nana stressed TSS FC are not an academy, but a full-fledged football club.
The six coaches at TSS FC are Yusri Ma'asom, Ameer Imran Muhammad Adib, Shamsul Amri Abu Bakar, Mohd Najib Sanid, Mohd Hamzah Ismail and Noorizwani Hafiz Md Noor.
"My two sons are also in this club, but they have yet to develop their skill.
"We have 45 kids in three age-groups (Under-7, Under-10, Under-12). They are from the Tunas Petaling Perdana Academy (one of five academies in Selangor).
"I want to expose them to the competitive aspect of the game and see improved performances. That's why I keep stressing we are a club, not an academy," he added.
TSS FC have played in tournaments in Singapore, Thailand and Jakarta. And they have trophies to show for it.
TSS FC, registered in September 2019, are based in Shah Alam. Their deputy-president is Shamsul Amri, a former Selangor defender in the early 2000s.
Tengku Nana, 39, thanked the parents for their enthusiasm and support. He said without them, TSS FC would not have been successful.
"Parents play an essential role in providing moral support to my team and me to help their children towards a brilliant career and this strengthens my spirit.
"I do not ask for government aid, or from any other entity. I do everything myself. I even pay rent for our training ground. I am looking for a permanent home for the team. That's the next step for TSS FC," he said.
Tengku Nana also took some players and parents on an island holiday to foster camaraderie and family-like closeness.
And yesterday at the Berjaya Taaras and Spa Resort in Pulau Redang, the club's flag was hoisted on a boat during their activities at the islets on the South China Sea.
That's the spirit of Tengku Nana, as he spared no effort to take care of his players.