Parental pressure threatens the joy of youth football - Sayf Ismail

For younger children, especially those aged five to 12, it’s crucial to maintain the fun and freedom of playing football.

WAN AHMAD  ATARMIZI
WAN AHMAD ATARMIZI
22 Jan 2025 11:40am
Parents play a crucial role by fostering a supportive rather than pressuring environment for aspiring athletes. Photo: FAM's Facebook account
Parents play a crucial role by fostering a supportive rather than pressuring environment for aspiring athletes. Photo: FAM's Facebook account

SHAH ALAM - The decline of grassroots football in Malaysia reflects a shift away from nurturing young talent and toward managing external pressures, with parents playing a pivotal role in creating a supportive, pressure-free environment for aspiring athletes.

Former FAM presidential candidate Sayf Ismail described grassroots football as the foundation of the sport, primarily involving children aged four to 17.

He stated that this level of football has seen a significant decline over the years.

“In the past, football was a spontaneous and organic part of growing up, children would gather at the nearest field for impromptu games. Today, that spontaneity has largely faded, especially in urban areas, where parental concerns about safety often limit outdoor play.

“While children in villages may still find ways to play on streets or fields, in cities, parents now actively search for safe spaces for their children to play, altering the essence of grassroots football.

“Despite these changes, the passion for the sport remains alive. Give a group of kids a ball and they will instinctively play wherever they can,” he said during Sinar Daily’s Sports Matters podcast.

Sayf expressed concerns about how the reduced presence of grassroots football reflects a broader challenge: balancing the pure joy of the game with the demands of modern life.

This issue has been a key motivator in his decision to run for the FAM presidency recently.

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“During my tenure at FAM, particularly in grassroots development, I noticed an excessive focus on performance at a young age, often driven by parental aspirations for their children to excel professionally. This issue is not unique to Malaysia but is common globally.

Sayf described that for younger children, especially those aged five to 12, it’s crucial to maintain the fun and freedom of playing football. Overloading them with expectations can overshadow the pure joy of the game.

“At this stage, football should be about exploration, enjoyment, and building friendships. The technical and competitive aspects can come later, as children mature,” he said.

He stressed the importance of parents in this process, not by pressuring their kids but by supporting them—whether it’s taking them to training, cheering from the sidelines, or simply allowing them to grow into the game at their own pace.

By shifting the focus away from pressure and prioritising enjoyment, Sayf believes children can fully experience the benefits of football, regardless of whether they pursue it professionally.

He added that this balanced approach ensures football remains a source of happiness and personal development for everyone involved.

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