KOTA KINABALU (27 May 2011) – There is no place for ‘passengers’ in the Festival Coaches’ Course taking place at the U-13 Festival of Football here as the AFC is serious about the quality of youth coaches, said AFC Elite Coach Instructor Lim Kim Chon.
The Malaysian said the 19 participants in the course needed to be prepared for the demand of the practical sessions which would take place later in the annual festival for AFC member associations from the ASEAN region.
Lim was speaking during the opening ceremony of the course which is the first activity of the festival in the Malaysian province of Sabah. He is the instructor for the coaches’ course.
The Festival of Football for boys is held in five Asian regions annually where a cornucopia of educational activities is held for the players, coaches, referees, doctors, physiotherapists, local organisers and more.
Sabah FA Deputy President Dato’ Lawrence Gimbang, who opened the course, thanked the AFC for the trust and opportunity given to Sabah to host the youth football extravaganza.
“The Festival of Football is a gift from the AFC to Sabah and Sabah has gained so much in relation to grassroots and youth football development. The coaches, referees and young players benefit greatly from this programme,” he said.
Meanwhile, AFC Festival Project Manager Dr. Annathurai Ranganathan urged the participants to give 100-percent commitment to the programme and uphold strong discipline throughout the course.
He also asked the participants to get as much knowledge as possible so that they are well equipped to face well-informed and educated grassroots and youth players.
The coaches’ course consists of practical sessions at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah and theoretical aspects at the Likas Square, near the Likas Sports Complex.
