BUTTERWORTH: THE FA of Penang (FAP) and the Penang Schools Sports Council (MSSPP), after a brain storming session, have agreed on a grassroots development programme for those 10 years and below.
With the decision came the MSSPP-FAP Boys’ Under-10 Football Tournament which carried a total cash prize of RM3,900.
Eighteen schools and two clubs, Chinese Recreation Club and Bintang Biru Academy, competed in the tournament which was held at the SK St Mark school field in Jalan St Mark in Butterworth recently.
Vice-president Mohd Azizudin Mohd Shariff said the competition was a joint-effort between Penang FA and the MSSPP.
“I believe that this is the first time in the state that such an event was organised, which is good for the development of football.
“Penang FA will follow-up to develop football at the grassroots and improve the standard of the game,” said Mohd Azizudin.
Mohd Azizudin said it was the earnest desire of Penang FA to go beyond the sports schools or academies, as it wanted the sport to grow at the primary school level.
He said in order for check-and-balance, FAP will keep track of developments and assist in any way they could.
Meanwhile, after a quiet first half, SK Pauh Jaya broke the stalemate when when Muhammad Syazwan Akmal Saiful Aswar connected to a Muhammad Faiz Zikry Hamdan pass to tuck in the ball for their opening goal.
SK Padang Tembak attempted a comeback but Farhat Mazlan headed in a cross by Muhammad Faiz Zikry for SK Pauh Jaya’s second goal which sealed the match.
Pauh Jaya coach Amirul Jufri Abdul Jalil said his boys had only trained together for about two months and their initial target was to qualify for the semi-finals.
Amirul Jufri said: “My boys have made the school proud. It is indeed a proud moment for SK Pauh Jaya and we intend to keep the school’s flag flying high.”
RESULTS — 3rd-4th: SK Bandar Baru Perda 4 SK Mohd Shah Kepala Batas 3;
Final: SK Pauh Jaya 2 SK Padang Tembak 0.
ROLL OF HONOUR — Best Player: Muhammad Faiz Zikry Hamdan (SK Pauh Jaya);
Fair Play: SK Tasek Permai.