PETALING JAYA: National Football Development Programme ( DP) director Datuk Ong Kim Swee has laid out the plan for grassroots football in the coming years, aiming to close the gap on the top Asian teams before focusing on higher levels.
Kim Swee said in the next three years, the goal will be to qualify for the Under-17 Asian Cup, and after that, the Under-17 World Cup in the future.
And to do this, systematic planning will be key to ensuring the youth teams are on the right trajectory.
“The short-term goal is to focus on closing the gap between us and other South-East Asian teams,” said Kim Swee.
“In one to three years, we need to be in the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup, and eventually the Under-17 World Cup.
“And this needs short, medium, and long-term planning.”
The 55-year-old Kim Swee took over the DP director’s job from Oscar Francisco Gonzalez last month and had signed a three-year contract to lead the programme.
With the 2026 season for aspiring footballers kicking off at the Akademi Mokhtar Dahari (AMD) on Monday, Kim Swee added that time and patience are crucial.
“We can’t rush things in terms of who will represent the country or who will stay with their respective teams. The process will take time, but with experienced coaches, I’m sure it will bring a positive impact.
“They have been with the youth teams and have a good record, and I hope they will continue their efforts,” he said.
