‘Symposium can further boost football development in Sarawak’

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Ahmad hits the gong to symbolise the opening of the symposium as (from left) event chairperson Lucas Kalang, Posa, FAM vice president Mohd Joehari Ayub and Australia’s Perth Glory FC club advisor Tony Hughes look on.

KUCHING: Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan has called on football associations to improve on talent scouting and training methods, and also step up football development efforts.

He also praised the initiative of the Sarawak Football Association (FAS) for organising the Sarawak International Football Symposium 2018 held here from Aug 10 to 12.

“Football development is often linked to achieving certain goals or results, but the coaches and talent development team need to look beyond that,” he said in a speech read by Sarawak Sports Council deputy director Ahmad Rodzli Hashim at the opening ceremony on Saturday.

“We need to develop a deep passion for the sport and shape the players’ future,” he added.

On the symposium, Snowdan said the state government would continue to support all endeavours to promote the sport in Sarawak.

“This symposium initiative is truly commendable as football is not just about winning titles or trophies.

“We also need to look at its values and principles,” Snowdan added.

The objective of the symposium is to expose total football concept to the participants, which covers various aspects such as training methods, nutrition and grass roots development.

Earlier on, FAS president Dato Posa Majais said over 150 participants from across the state participated in the symposium which was organised for the first time by the association.

“We also received participation from Indonesia and we hope that this event will be able to provide a platform for experts in the sport to share their experiences, values and opinions towards improving the sport,” said Posa.