Courtesy: New Straits Times


Teams geared for final battle

06 July 2013

TOP CLASS: Action promises to be thick and fast in finale of Milo Hidup Bola Futsal Carnival

AMPANG: THE stage is set for the Grand Finals of the Milo Hidup Bola Futsal Carnival 2013, billed as the nation's biggest junior futsal event, at the Sports Planet Futsal Complex here tomorrow.

A record 1,400 Under-12 and Under-16 teams participated across 14 legs covering every state in the preliminary rounds from March to June.
This is an increase of 98 teams compared to last year which augurs well for the development of the game at the grassroots. The top 32 teams in each of the two boys categories from all 14 states that have qualified for the Grand Finals will battle to win the grand prize of RM15,000 cash, trophy, medals and Milo and Figos products.

The runners-up will earn RM10,000 and the two joint-third teams will walk away with RM7,000 each. To inculcate the good habit of saving, the prize money will be credited into the saving accounts books of the winning players.

Competition this year was very keen as the quality of the game has improved tremendously since the start of the Milo Futsal carnival eight years ago with better skills and team coordination being displayed by most teams.

The mushrooming of junior football clubs, associations and academies with professional coaches, dedicated sports teachers and parents is also a very positive development.

Nestle Products Sdn Bhd sports marketing manager Ng Ping Loong said: "The best junior futsal talents from the 64 best teams in the Under-12 and Under-16 teams will be on show in the grand finals.

"I am confident many of these talented juniors will mature to become good futsal players and footballers to represent and bring honour to Malaysia in the near future.

"It has been an amazing four-month journey bringing this event to the children and giving them an opportunity to enjoy this great game, develop new friendship and rekindle the football and sports culture at the grassroots."

National Sports Council director general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong will officiate the closing ceremony.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com