KOTA KINABALU: Jubilo Football Academy continues to gain national recognition as it takes another significant step forward in grassroots football development, following an invitation for its coaches to undergo attachment training at the prestigious Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD).
The opportunity was extended by Ong Kim Swee, Technical Director of the National Football Development Programme (NFDP), during a working visit to the academy’s secretariat in Likas today.
The attachment programme aims to enhance coaching standards and technical expertise, providing Jubilo’s coaching team with exposure to elite training methodologies practised at the national level.
During the visit, Datuk Ong and his delegation were briefed on the academy’s structure, development philosophy, and ongoing programmes. Jubilo Football Academy currently nurtures approximately 200 young players between the ages of under-7 to under-16, making it one of the most active grassroots football institutions in Sabah.
Over the years, the academy has established a strong track record of success. Its Under7, – Under 16 squads have consistently performed at a high level, notably emerging as champions in the Malaysia Superimau League, a testament to its commitment to disciplined training and player development.
Beyond competition, Jubilo Football Academy is also actively involved in holistic youth development. Its programmes emphasise not only technical football skills but also character building, teamwork, and leadership among young athletes.
Regular training sessions, talent identification initiatives, and participation in national-level competitions have positioned the academy as a key contributor to the football ecosystem in Sabah.
The visit by NFDP marks a reciprocal engagement under the Football Association of Malaysia framework, aimed at strengthening collaboration between national and grassroots institutions. This partnership is expected to further elevate the standards of youth football development in Malaysia.
Present to receive Datuk Ong and his delegation which included NFDP coach Ganasamurthy and NFDP General Manager Muhammad Yusof Ibrahim were Jubilo Football Academy Chairman Syarulnizam Salleh, Chief Executive Officer Saiful Azua Datuk Golkhan, and Chief Operating Officer Hasnuddin Datuk Golkhan.
Also in attendance was Patron Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, along with members of the academy’s leadership team.
The visit concluded with a token of appreciation presentation by Chairman Syarulnizam Salleh to Datuk Ong Kim Swee, witnessed by Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak and other distinguished guests.-pr/BNN
