National Football Development Programme: Help us help you, says Najib

Article by Vijhay Vick, as published in The Malay Mail on April 11, 2014.

Support from parents is the key factor to ensure the success of the National Football Development Programme (NFDP).

NFDP was officially announced as a national agenda and received a financial boost to carry its goal of producing a better generation of footballers during its launch at the renamed Mokhtar Dahari Academy (formerly known as National Football Academy) in Gambang, Pahang on April 10, 2014.

najib

In announcing an additional RM10 million allocation from the federal government, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak warned the project would not reap benefits without the support of all parties, especially parents.

He labelled NFDP as “the start of Malaysian football’s revival” and opinioned Malaysian sports would only reach its pinnacle if she is a successful football nation.

“This is not just an effort by the Sports Ministry, Education Ministry and FA of Malaysia (FAM), but a national project. We need to elevate the status of NFDP to get as many parties involved,” said Najib.

“We need the support of the parents. In the United States, parents are very committed to their children’s participation. We need a similar commitment.

“Football is the most popular sport in the country ... by far. We have the World No.1 in badminton and squash, but satisfaction would only come with our football at a higher level.”

NFDP was first mooted under Lim Kim Chon’s watch in 2011.

Plans to enhance the programmes were made when Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin came into office last year.

Former international Lim Teong Kim, who spent the last 12 years as development coach with European giants Bayern Munich, was appointed as project director to over ensure NFDP becomes a success.

The six-year first phase blueprint consists of a five-year thrust with focus on establishing the national football DNA, encouraging more participation of young talents, providing standard compliant facilities, improving the standard of coaching and strengthening the structure of competitions at all levels.

HD says: All the best to those running the show

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