By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, July 8: A record 4,100 young footballers and team officials are set to compete in the PETRONAS Youth Football Closed Tournament (PYFCT) and PETRONAS Youth Football Champions League (PYFCL) 2026, as the tournament enters a new chapter with Mukah joining the competition for the first time.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the expansion reflects the Sarawak’s commitment to making quality youth football development more accessible while strengthening grassroots football across the region.
“I would not be surprised if, in the coming years, we expand the tournament to Limbang, Miri and other parts of the region,” he said during a press conference at the Ministry’s office here today.
He said this year’s tournament is expected to draw 84 teams in Kuching, 56 teams in Bintulu and 24 teams in Mukah, involving around 4,100 players and team officials.
The Kuching leg will take place from July 25 to Oct 24, followed by Bintulu from Aug 1 to Nov 8, while Mukah will host its inaugural competition from Sept 26 to Nov 15.
Abdul Karim said the champions from each qualifying tournament will advance to the PETRONAS Youth Football Champions League 2026, scheduled to be held in Kuching from Dec 6 to 13.
He said the increasing participation demonstrates the confidence placed by schools, football academies, parents and local communities in the tournament.
Since its introduction in 2024, the programme has grown into one of Sarawak’s flagship youth football development platforms. Its expansion to Bintulu in 2025, followed by the introduction of the Champions League, has further elevated the level of competition and provided more opportunities for young players to develop their talents.
Beyond football, Abdul Karim said the tournament plays an important role in nurturing discipline, leadership, teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship among young players.
He also commended the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) for its role in advancing football development in the State, noting that Kuching City Football Club (KCFC) has grown into a formidable force under the leadership of Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman over the past decade.
He expressed hope that other sports associations would adopt similar development approaches and work towards elevating the standards of their respective sports.
Abdul Karim also thanked PETRONAS for its continued commitment to youth development through sports, as well as strategic partners including the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS), Kuching Division Football Association (KDFA), KCFC, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), TVS, Bintulu Football Association (BIFA) and Mukah Football Association (MUFA).
Also present were MYSED permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron; FAS and KCFC president Dato Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman; PETRONAS Sarawak general manager and PYFCT 2026 co-organising chairperson Norazibah Md Rabu; BIFA president Sophie Shariee; MUFA president Khairul Anwar Adeni; and Lea Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Raymond Sim Hee Pang. — DayakDaily
