Freeport Grassroots Tournament Builds The Main Foundation For Youth Football
Timika, June 23 2025 - PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) are collaborating to develop youth football in Papua. PSSI and PTFI held the Freeport Grassroots Tournament (FGT) at Mandala Stadium, Jayapura, Papua on June 13-14, 2025.
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir stated that the key in many countries with advanced football is laying the main foundation on the development of youth football.
“I appreciate the participation of PT Freeport Indonesia, which always supports the progress of Indonesian football. This trust strengthens PSSI’s commitment to continuously improve youth football, both through competition, collaboration, and trainings by high quality coaches, which is very important and has positive influence on the development of young players,” said Erick Thohir.
The FGT event in Papua was attended by more than 300 children and is the second event after it was held last year in Gresik and Jayapura. In addition there was an addition of 10 SSB for the U-12 category. A total of 20 Football Schools (SSB) participated in this activity.
The FGT event in Papua was attended by more than 300 children and is the second event after it was held last year in Gresik and Jayapura. In addition there was an addition of 10 SSB for the U-12 category. A total of 20 Football Schools (SSB) participated in this activity.
“This Tournaments aims to provide an opportunity for children to show their best game and provide an exciting and fun competition experience in the world of football,” said Claus.
Claus hopes that this event can open the eyes of Papuan children to make football a dream, so that they can become professional footballers in the future. He emphasized the importance of children playing and competing happily, as well as understanding the values of sportsmanship, fair play, and mutual respect as part of the formation of footballers character.
The second Freeport Grassroots Tournament involved children from U-10 and U-12 age groups and each was grouped into 10 teams. Also joined on this occasion were U-17 National Team coach, Nova Arianto, along with Indonesian National Team legends Boaz Solossa, Ricardo Salampessy, Eduard Ivakdalam, and Titus Bonai, Deputy Regent of Jayapura Regency Haris Richard S. Yoku, Secretary of PSSI Papua Provincial Association (Asprov) Parson Horota & representative of PTFI management Kerry Yarangga.
This second event expanded the reach of participants by giving more opportunities for Football Schools (SSB) to participate. This activity is hoped to be a platform for young Papuan talents to showcase their skills and provide an opportunity and experience to compete in chasing their dream of becoming professional footballers.
At the end of the tournament, the winning team received football shoes. The purpose of this gift is for the team members to use them and to encourage the children’s seriousness in continuing to train football.
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