KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — Selangor FC say their long-term investment in grassroots football is paying off, with over 2,000 children aged between seven and 12 currently training weekly under their Soccer School programme.
Club chief executive officer Johan Kamal Hamidon said the programme, combined with the Football Association of Selangor (FAS) League and regular school outreach, forms a structured pathway for young players to advance into the state’s youth and senior squads.
“Every year, we want to see one or two young players break into our first team. That is our aspiration, and it reflects years of work,” he told the press during the Hyundai-Selangor FC partnership signing ceremony at Menara Affin @ TRX today.
Among Selangor FC’s current first-team players developed through the club’s youth and development squads are Haykal Danish, Muhammad Khalil, Raimi Shamsul, and Moses Raj.
These players have recently made the step up to the senior squad and are contributing members of the team in the 2025/26 season.
Johan added that the club’s approach extends beyond training, encompassing talent identification through grassroots competitions.
“From the FAS League, we scout and monitor potential players. Those who stand out are gradually absorbed into Selangor FC’s development teams,” he said.
Nonetheless, Johan acknowledged that the journey is tough, with young players typically facing years of pressure and setbacks before breaking through.
“Football is very competitive, but that is part of the game. What matters is giving them the right platform,” he said.
Previously, on July 10, state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi told the State Legislative Assembly that Selangor FC remained committed to prioritising the development of local football talent.
However, he noted that the Red Giants still needed to identify and recruit heritage players abroad to strengthen the squad and improve performance in both domestic and Asian-level competitions.
Selangor FC began this season’s Malaysia Super League with mixed results, winning both their home matches but losing their two away fixtures. They currently sit fourth in the table.
