By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 27: Around 680 excited young footballers took to the pitch today as the Kuching leg of the PETRONAS Youth Football Closed Tournament (PYFCT) 2026 got back underway following a brief pause due to poor air quality.
The local tournament brings together 40 teams and 800 children across the Under-12 (PSK 12), Under-14 (PSK 14), and Under-16 (PSK 16) categories, giving aspiring athletes from around the region a chance to showcase their skills.
Today’s action at Padang C, Padang D, and the Kuching District Football Association (KDFA) grounds saw full turnouts for the U-12 and U-14 divisions. A total of 320 kids (16 teams) played in the U-12 matches, while 240 players (12 teams) suited up for the U-14 games.
Over in the U-16 category, six teams (120 players) managed to finish their matches before wet weather stepped in, forcing organisers to reschedule the remaining six fixtures for safety.
Organisers shared that while safety remains the top priority, getting the children back out on the field is essential for their personal growth, both as players and as individuals.
“PYFCT continues to support grassroots football development in Sarawak by nurturing young talent and promoting essential values such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship—both on and off the pitch,” the organizers noted in a statement.
The stakes are high for the older groups this season. The U-14 and U-16 categories are competing in a league format, where the team topping the table at the end will lift the trophy.
Both the champions and runners-up from these two divisions will also secure spots in the coveted PETRONAS Youth Football Champions League this coming December.
Meanwhile, the U-12 tournament will see the top four teams from Group A and Group B advance to the quarter-finals and next to the semi-finals before battling it out in the final.
This leg follows a lively start to the season back in July, where 27 local teams competed in the U-8 and U-10 groups, resulting in Cascara Junior taking home the U-8 title and Samarahan Academy claiming the U-10 crown.
The grassroots football circuit spans three divisions this year—Kuching (July 25 to Oct 24), Bintulu (Aug 8 to Nov 8), and Mukah (Sept 27 to Nov 1)—before culminating in the grand Champions League from Dec 6 to 13. — DayakDaily
