SIBU: Lea Sports Centre (LSC) will continue to assist in the greater development of football game in the state.
SMART PARTNERSHIP: (Seated from left) Chiew, Radin Kadri, Poh and Abdul Hajis with the rest during their photo-call.
It is committed to working closely with the Sibu Division Football Association (SDFA) and all other football associations in the state.
Its senior operation manager Poh Siok Hoon said the centre pledged sponsorships for football events, such as competitions.
The centre, he added, would do its part to generate more interest in the game especially among youngsters. He noted that there were very few young players in the state team.
“This isn’t healthy. We’re ready to give our bits to get the state team to be better represented by young players,” he said.
Poh was speaking to reporters after a meeting with SDFA at a local here Wednesday night. SDFA chairman Radin Kadri Radin Budiman, secretary Abdul Hajis Abdullah and LSC retail executive Chiew Kam Chiong were among those present.
The meeting decided to roll out more football competitions to uplift the standard of play and to tap potential of the younger group in the game.
While acknowledging the good efforts from all quarters to promote football in the state, Poh said the promotion of the game should not be confined to schools.
“There should be more football activities, particularly tournaments, to get school-leavers involved,” in deciding on the right chanting to use.”
The two fan clubs are expected to start their rehearsal next week at state stadium.
Faizee also believes that fan clubs support plays an important role in bringing Sarawak to one of the most feared teams in Malaysian league, as in the 80s and 90s.
“To me, it’s not the players, the coach and whatever mumbo jumbo mystery man sitting behind the goal but it was the fans that lifted up Sarawak to the most feared status last time,” said Faizee. he suggested. LSC is one of the companies in the state sponsoring the football league in every division to select two divisional level teams for the Sarawak Champion Cup in October.
Meanwhile, LSC will sponsor Sibu Rossi Cup 7-aside Football Tournament 2011 which will be held on Jan 29-30 at a field along Awang Ramli Amit Road.