Fadhil Yunus
Dozens of young aspiring footballers took part in the Asian Football Confederation/Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (AFC/FABD) Grassroots Football Day at the Mukim Kilanas Community Hall in Kampong Bengkurong yesterday.
Organised by FABD and supported by MSN United, the under-12 players were divided into eight teams or houses with coaches also assigned in each team.
Similar sessions conducted in a league format will run across several weekends every Sunday.
The participating houses which are aptly named after a bird species involved Merpati, Nuri, Kenari, Layang, Tiong Batu, Raja Udang, Murai and Pipit.
The series of matches provided an opportunity for young footballers to get much-needed game time especially with the resumption of social and sports activities.
In preserving the real-life match atmosphere, junior players also enjoyed the experience of taking part in the customary walkout before the match with an AFC tune being played in the background.
FABD Head of Grassroots Development Unit Haji Rozaimienizam bin Haji Jainal said, “We are promoting football, active lifestyle and physical activities. We are starting everything back (following the move towards endemic phase of COVID-19).”
He continued, “It is good to have the community back. Now, we are preparing football for the kids but at the same time we want to add value for the community especially the parents and spectators.
“We are also preparing fun games for them as well. We offer small games and once they participate there will be a lucky draw.”
Before the matches commenced, the players joined a basic skills training session.
