Long before a footballer earns the spotlight on the pitch, there is a coach working quietly behind the scenes.
These grassroots coaches are often the first to spot potential, guiding young players through their formative years while building the confidence, discipline, and values that help prepare them for major tournaments and opportunities to catch the attention of scouts.
As Sarawak continues to strengthen its football development ecosystem and create pathways for homegrown talent to emerge, building capable coaches has become just as important as developing the players.
Recognising the people behind the players, PETRONAS is strengthening grassroots coaching capabilities through its Grassroots Football Development Initiative, held in conjunction with the PETRONAS Youth Football Closed Tournament (PYFCT) 2026.
The two-day workshop, from July 10 to 11, 2026, brought together grassroots coaches, academy operators, and football administrators from across Sarawak to enhance their technical knowledge, coaching approaches, and football management capabilities.
The initiative reflects PETRONAS’ commitment to nurture grassroots football and support the Sarawak government’s aspiration to develop more homegrown talent through a sustainable football ecosystem.
For many participants, the programme provided practical insights that could be applied immediately at their respective academies.
Axis Football Academy coach Nizam Mahmud described the workshop as a valuable learning platform for grassroots coaches.
“We gained useful knowledge about football development in Sarawak, especially through the sharing by (football manager and former footballer) Datuk Ong Kim Swee. We will bring this knowledge back and share it with other grassroots coaches in Kuching and throughout Sarawak,” he said.
Having spent the past 10 years coaching young footballers, Nizam said developing children into capable players comes with many challenges. He believes continuous learning enables coaches to refine their training approaches and better support young players as they progress through different stages of development.
Ong, who is the technical director of the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) and the Mokhtar Dahari Academy, said player development begins at the grassroots level and requires patience, structured planning and age-appropriate coaching.
He stressed that children should not be judged after only one or two years of training. Instead, they need sufficient time, quality coaching, and regular match exposure to reach their full potential.
“The training approach must suit different age groups. The way we coach children aged four to eight is different from those aged nine to twelve. When coaches understand these stages better, they can develop players more effectively and prepare them for higher levels of football,” he said.
Ong also explained that a structured pathway gives every young player the opportunity to progress at an appropriate pace before moving into elite academies. Equally important, he said, is ensuring grassroots coaches understand how children learn and develop at different ages instead of applying the same methods to every player.
Meanwhile, former Sarawak player and coach Jalil Ramli said the workshop can help create greater consistency among grassroots coaches across the State.
He said coaches should adopt a common coaching philosophy so that young players receive structured and consistent guidance regardless of the academy they join. While technical skills such as ball control and passing remain essential, attitude, discipline, and a willingness to learn are equally important.
Jalil also highlighted the important role of parents, whose encouragement and commitment allow children to attend training regularly and continue improving their abilities.
“Parents play a vital role in grassroots football. Without their support, it is difficult for young players to attend training regularly and continue developing,” he emphasised.
As Sarawak continues strengthening its grassroots football ecosystem, coaches will remain central to shaping the next generation of players. Their ability to guide, inspire, and support young footballers from the earliest stages will determine how promising players progress in the years ahead.
Through the Grassroots Football Development Initiative, PETRONAS is investing in the people who stand behind every young footballer’s journey. By creating opportunities for coaches to strengthen their capabilities, exchange knowledge and adopt best practices, the energy company aims to contribute towards a stronger football pathway and support Sarawak’s long-term ambition of producing more homegrown talent. — DayakDaily
