KUALA LUMPUR: Is the FA of Selangor (FAS) outperforming the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in organising youth leagues?
FAS vice-president Datuk PS Sugumaran thinks that is the case.
Sugumaran, who is also FAS local competitions chairman, pointed to their steady growth in the number of matches organised annually, despite rising costs.
"In 2022, FAS had 913 matches across 14 divisions, including girls', women's and youth competitions.
"By 2023, this number rose to 1,286. Last year, we hit 1,644 matches spanning January to December," he said.
Sugumaran emphasised FAS' focus on junior league, saying: "In 2024 alone, we arranged 628 junior league matches. I believe this surpasses FAM's Suparimau League, which operates only for three months. Our matches run year-round and cover age categories from eight to 18. Organising this costs about RM500,000, funded largely through sponsorships.
"Despite the costs, our commitment remains strong. I feel that FAS is leading the way in the country when it comes to youth development.
"These games provide a platform for talent scouts to identify and sign promising players."
Sugumaran revealed that Selangor FC are also in the process of establishing its own academy. The academy will adopt a structure similar to the Mokhtar Dahari Academy, welcoming players not just from Selangor but nationwide.