The Football Association of Maldives has announced that they are in discussion to change the age group of Youth Championship from Under 21 to Under 19.

FAM’s Technical Director, Ihsan Abdul Ghani (Saanthi) have stated that FAM’s objective on organizing tournaments for under 21 has been achieved as many under 21 players are currently playing for the senoir squad of first division clubs. He has also mentioned that they are in discussion of scheduling U19 tournamnet for February, before the season kicks off rather than at the end of the season. He said that this change will help clubs to select good players from the youth tournament for the season ahead. Also as per FAM’s Club Licensing Rule, an under 19 team is a must for every first division club starting from next year.

FAM’s General Secretary, Hussain Javaz has said that one of FAM’s aims is to provide opportunity for youth players to play for first division clubs and if the age group is changed to under 19, more youngsters will have the opportunity to play for these clubs.

Youth Championship was introduced in 2011 and since then, many young players have seized the opportunity to shine and are currently playing for first division clubs and the national team. Maziya’s Amdhan Ali (Andy) and Ahmed Imaz (Aakko) are some payers who became famous from youth tournament. Ansar Ibrahim (Anko) and Ibrahim Mubeen (Mukki) also became popular from the youth championship.

Youth Championship used  to be a fierce battle between clubs previously. However, this year, only four clubs particiated and the intensity of the competition dropped as TC and New Radiant are preparing for AFC Cup. FAM’s plan is to increase the passion in the following years  as they are on the progress of doing it.

Photo: Maziya Sports & RC