Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuala Lumpur: Around 100 Malaysian kids were fortunate to take part in an AFC/Football Association of Malaysia Grassroots Carnival in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday in celebration of the Grassroots Year 2013 and Grassroots Day which fell on 15 May.
The kids were also lucky to be the first batch of children to be inspired and motivated by AFC Grassroots Ambassadors, Iranian legend Mehdi Mahdivikia and Chinese ace Bai Lili, during the sessions at FAM House pitches.
The kid football sessions started with the introduction of the AFC Grassroots Ambassadors who then kicked off the football sessions.
The children were divided into eight groups who then underwent various football drills and plays facilitated in a fun manner by FAM coaches and AFC member associations’ grassroots representatives who were taking part in a three-day AFC Grassroots Workshop in Kuala Lumpur.
Former national and club skipper Mahdivikia, and Lili, a Chinese Football Association grassroots instructor and former national player, visited each of the eight children stations and helped make sure the drills and plays were not only educational but fun at the same time.
Both Asian football greats played several parts including that of the goalkeeper during the drills and later during 5 v 5 plays, they played opposing each other with the kids who were either in yellow or white teams.
Apart from football officials and the young players, the colourful carnival also attracted the attendance of soccer moms who accompanied their children.
One of them, Radzilah Norizam, happily watched his 10-year-old son Haleef Hazim having fun in their playing session with the AFC Ambassadors and other kids.
“I’m really proud with the opportunity given to my son take part in the carnival on this historic AFC Grassroots Day,” she told The-AFC.com. “My son has been playing football for a year now. The kids are now getting good exposure and what’s more important, the seeds of love of the game are being sown at an early age which is good.”
Another soccer mom, Norashikin Issa, went to the carnival with her 12-year-old son, Mohamad Amirul Abdul Kudus, who had been playing football since age 10.
She said: “I’m really proud with my child and thanks to the AFC for the great opportunity. Right now, I just want my son to grab any opportunities to enjoy the game and develop skills and character as he grows older.
“What’s important now is fun and health, some of the benefits of the beautiful game. Later when he’s older, if he wants to get serious in football, he’s already got the good foundation. He can go as far as he wants to in the game.”