Football Association of Maldives has decided to kick off the under 19 youth championship on August 29th, right after Eid holidays. Unlike the last five years, this time FAM has taken a thoughtful decision to lower the age category from under 21 to under 19. Therefor this year and in the upcoming few years, youth championship will be targeted for under 19 players.

“Yes, it is right. FAM will be conducting this year youth championship for under 19 players. Past 5 to 6 years FAM has targeted the youth championship for under 21 players. The change is not only for this year, we have the mind to carry on with the same idea for few more years ahead” Coach Ihsan explained. Next year there will be AFC U-19. So most of players from this year youth championship have the possibility in playing in next year AFC. The main objective of this change is to provide a platform for much younger players to show their potential in this level. From past youth championships, it has served good number of youth players whom are under 21 or under 23, is currently playing in first division clubs. Every first division squad includes a very good number of players who are under 21 or under 23”. Deputy Technical director of FAM, Coach Ihsan Abdul Ghani explained.

Already the team list submision date has passed, only four sides will be competing this time in the youth championship. Including the most successful side in youth championship, Club Eagles, New Radiant, Maziya Sports and Recreation and Club Green Streets.

A list of maximum 30 players with 8 officials are allowed to register in each team while there must be minimum 3 goal keepers in each squad. And also a player who has being registered in FAM for the current season (2018), the player can only play for the registered club, else he cannot take part in any team.

It is hugely believed that each team will be registering maximum players in their squads as in the championship, it will be as league format, where there will be two rounds played. And the top two teams will be going into the title deciding final.

FAM has decided to play the youth championship matches in the national football stadium (Galolhu). It will be for the first time that national stadium will be used after using the main football ground for independence day activities recently.