(Left) Some of the budding football talents at the event.
THE first round of RSC-Dato’ Chu Ah Nge International Junior Soccer Tournament 2024 concluded with defending champions TSS Academy in dominant form.
They progressed to the second round in all five age categories –Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 – after showcasing consistent prowess during the group stages.
The top two teams from each preliminary group advanced to set the stage for a thrilling final day of matches.
In the U8 category, TSS asserted their dominance early, finishing at the top of Group C with nine points from three wins.
In the U10 group, TSS secured second place behind Kulai Intelek FC, with both teams earning seven points.
Yeoh praises the tournament’s growth and impact.
The TSS U14 team maintained a perfect record with nine points while Indonesia’s Tangsel Juniors claimed second spot.
At the U16 level, TSS emerged unbeaten to lead their group, edging out Destiny Lions and reinforcing their status as one of the strongest academies in the region.
Last year, TSS claimed the prestigious Dato’ Chu Ah Nge Challenge Trophy after winning three of the five age-group titles – U10, U14 and U16. This year, they are aiming for a clean sweep.
TSS founder Tengku Shakirinal Shah Tengku Sulaiman Shah expressed optimism about their chances.
“This year we are aiming to win in all five categories and lift the Challenge Cup once again.
“In 2019, we competed in this tournament for the first time, and we only participated in the U10 category and emerged champions,” he recalled of TSS’ debut.
“The U14 and U16 teams won all three of their pool matches on the first day of competition and it has been a good run for us.
“I like this tournament. It has its prestige. We will come back to compete here,” he added.
The tournament, which began in 2005 as an opportunity for Royal Selangor Club (RSC)’s Development Programme teams, has since grown into a regional draw for grassroots football.
Now in its 18th edition, the event attracted teams from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Brunei and the Maldives.
Teams accumulate points across all age categories, with the team scoring the highest cumulative points receiving the Dato’ Chu Ah Nge Challenge Trophy.
This year’s edition features over 1,000 young players and includes three days of matches, some of which are played under floodlights.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who launched the tournament at RSC Kiara Sports Annexe in Kuala Lumpur, praised its growth and impact on grassroots football development.
“Each time I come to this tournament, I see the number of teams and players increase.
“In this year’s edition there are more than 1,000 players,” she said.
Emphasising the community-driven element of the tournament, Yeoh said supporting clubs and organisations that hosted such events would be better than having a ministry-organised event.
“The ministry is committed to encouraging the development of sports at the grassroots.
“I am pleased that this tournament involves the participation of academies and clubs which is in line with its objective of encouraging professionalism in football training.
“I am also glad that this tournament has girls competing.”
Acknowledging the vital role of parents and coaches, Yeoh said, “I would like to acknowledge the dedication of the parents who are here today as they are the driving force behind many of the children here today.
“I would also like to recognise the efforts of coaches,” she added.
