KUALA LUMPUR — Football development in Malaysia, particularly at the community level, is still in its early stages, but Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Rashid is determined to change that, starting with initiatives in Penang.
In collaboration with the Padang Polo Sports and Recreational Club (PPSRC) and officials from Penang FC, Syerleena recently organised the second Anak-Anak Merdeka Football Tournament in celebration of Malaysia’s 67th National Day.
The tournament saw 288 children from 24 teams competing in two categories: Under-12 and Under-10.
Syerleena highlighted the importance of using local clubs and academies to develop young talent, noting how major football clubs worldwide maintain a strong presence in their communities.
She stressed the role of sports in bridging differences and bringing people together regardless of race, religion, or culture.
“With the right support — from local businesses, schools, or even the state government — community programmes like this can nurture talent that will eventually feed into state and national teams,” said Syerleena.
“Not only would this raise the standard of football in Malaysia, but it would also engage the whole community. It’s more than just football — it’s about providing young people with real opportunities and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
“Who knows, with a strong local programme, we might even attract scouts from top Malaysian teams or maybe even international clubs. It’s time to invest in our young talent and take the beautiful game to the next level.”
Syerleena, joined by Penang FC technical director and legend Merzagua Abderrazak, also mentioned that she does not intend to limit grassroots programmes to football alone.
She has already organised successful events in badminton and sepak takraw as well.
“Sports, in all its forms, has the power to bring people together and promote positive values. Football, or rather sports in general, can build inclusive communities and break down barriers of prejudice.
“Organising these football programmes in Bukit Bendera has been an exciting journey, and it’s just the beginning. My goal is to expand these initiatives and reach as many young talents as possible.
“It’s not only about football — we’ve had great success with badminton and sepak takraw too, which have deep roots in our community,” added the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker.
When asked about her motivation for organising these community sports events, Syerleena explained: “I saw incredible talent in our youth, but also noticed they lacked the support and resources to fully develop. There is so much potential, but they are often held back by a lack of proper coaching, facilities, or pathways to success.
“I wanted to remove those obstacles and give these kids the platform they need to excel. Sports are more than just activities — they build confidence, discipline, and achievement.
“My dream is to turn Bukit Bendera into a hub for nurturing talent, where children can pursue the sports they love and see a real path to success. It’s about creating a future where our community thrives through sports.”
The top four teams in both the Under-12 and Under-10 categories received prize money, trophies, and medals, while all participants were awarded e-certificates. — September 6, 2024