Category: Youth

NSFC CEO Faliq Firdaus Outlines Vision for a Stronger Negeri Sembilan Football Ecosystem

Negeri Sembilan FC Chief Executive Officer Faliq Firdaus has shared a heartfelt reflection on the evolution of football development in Negeri Sembilan, highlighting both the challenges of the past and the promising pathway being built today for the next generation of players.

In a personal message, Faliq reflected on his own school days playing football, recalling how talented players from his generation often struggled to progress due to limited opportunities and a fragmented development structure.

“Back in school, I played football too, though I wasn’t as good as many of my friends. What was sad was that even the talented ones couldn’t go far because the opportunities simply weren’t there,” he said.

According to Faliq, the core issue during that era was not talent but the lack of a structured development system. Young players found it difficult to gain enough competitive exposure, often relying heavily on the Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Daerah (MSSD) pathway, which offered limited continuity.

“To even get 30 competitive matches a year was difficult. Training would go on for months, then you would only play in a one-week tournament. There was no continuity,” he explained.

Progress in the Development Structure

Faliq noted that the football landscape has changed significantly over the years, with club-based development pathways now emerging alongside the national and school systems. However, he acknowledged that the ecosystem is still evolving and requires greater coordination among stakeholders.

“Today, the situation is different. Club pathways now exist, including elite club pathways linked to the Liga Super. But the system is still maturing, and many stakeholders are still working in silos,” he said.

He emphasised that improving the system will take time but remains essential if Malaysian football — and Negeri Sembilan in particular — is to produce more high-quality players.

Young Talents Representing Negeri Sembilan in Japan

Faliq also expressed pride in seeing three young players from Negeri Sembilan earn the opportunity to train and undergo trials in Japan, describing it as a moment that symbolises how far the development pathway has progressed.

The trio — a player from Rembau, another from Labu, and one from Kuantan — are currently spending a month in Japan, carrying the name of Negeri Sembilan while gaining valuable international exposure.

“For me personally, I’m proud because these younger players are getting opportunities that many of us never had before,” he said.

If they perform well and receive the right opportunities, the players could potentially continue their development in Japan — a prospect that once seemed like a distant dream for many young Malaysian footballers.

“They are living our dreams,” he added.

Strengthening the Negeri Sembilan Development Pipeline

To ensure long-term sustainability, Faliq emphasised that Negeri Sembilan must continue strengthening its own grassroots and development systems.

He hopes that in the future, players representing the club internationally will increasingly come from the Sekolah Sukan Negeri Sembilan (SSN) system, signalling that the state is producing talent through its own structured development pipeline.

To improve the quality of training at SSN, Negeri Sembilan FC will place an AFC A-Licence coach within the school programme, starting with the Under-17 squad, with another coach set to work with the Under-14 team by 2027.

The initiative is part of a collaborative effort between the club and the Negeri Sembilan State Education Department (JPNNS).

“I would like to thank the school principal and JPNNS for welcoming this idea. We are combining resources for the benefit of Negeri Sembilan,” he said.

Building a Complete Football Ecosystem

Beyond elite development, NSFC is also focusing on expanding grassroots opportunities and strengthening the football ecosystem across the state.

The club will soon participate in the FAM National Youth League, competing in the Under-12 and Under-15/16 categories, further providing competitive exposure for young players.

At the same time, Faliq emphasised the importance of community clubs in nurturing talent.

“Clubs like Bunga Raya FC and Teck Hin FC must continue to grow. This is an ecosystem, and everyone plays a role,” he said.

He also confirmed that the Negeri Sembilan Football Symposium will return this year as part of ongoing efforts to bring together stakeholders to discuss the future of football development in the state.

Expanding Grassroots Opportunities

As part of its grassroots commitment, NSFC has also launched the NSFC Football School in Seremban, targeting boys and girls aged 7 to 12 years old.

Parents are encouraged to enrol their children, with the club aiming to expand the programme to other districts across Negeri Sembilan after establishing a strong foundation in Seremban.

“Once Seremban is established, we will expand to other districts,” Faliq said.

A Collective Journey Forward

Faliq concluded by emphasising that football development in Negeri Sembilan requires collaboration between clubs, schools, associations, and community academies.

Only through a united ecosystem, he said, can the state continue producing players capable of competing at higher levels while proudly carrying the name of Negeri Sembilan.

“It’s an ecosystem. We must move forward together,” he said.

NSFC Strengthens Youth Pathway with Major Enhancements to NSFC III Programme at KYNS

Negeri Sembilan FC continues to reinforce its long-term commitment to youth development with a comprehensive upgrade to its B-18 programme in collaboration with Kolej Yayasan Negeri Sembilan (KYNS), Kuala Pilah.

Now entering its third year, the strategic partnership between NSFC and KYNS has undergone significant improvements following extensive feedback gathered from parents and coaches over the past two seasons. Club Chief Executive Officer, Faliq Firdaus, acknowledged that the club has carefully assessed previous shortcomings and has taken decisive steps to elevate the programme both on and off the pitch.

Rebranding and Competitive Platform

As part of the restructuring, the NSFC B-18 squad will officially be renamed NSFC III and will compete in the prestigious Piala Presiden (B-20) competition. This move is designed to expose players to a higher level of competitive football while aligning the development structure more clearly within the club’s broader pathway system.

“Student First, Footballer Second” Philosophy

Central to the initiative remains the club’s firm belief in holistic development. Players will continue to embrace the “student first, footballer second” principle, ensuring academic progress remains a priority alongside football training.

All players enrolled in the programme will undertake the TVET SKM Tahap 2 (Elektrik) certification at KYNS. This ensures that every player acquires a recognised vocational qualification, equipping them with practical skills and a viable career pathway beyond football.

Additional Value: Coaching Certification and Equipment Support

Beyond academic certification, players will also be given the opportunity to enroll in the Akar Umbi Coaching Certificate Course organised by PBNS-KYNS upon completion of their TVET syllabus. Indirectly, this initiative is expected to produce up to 25 grassroots-certified coaches, strengthening the football ecosystem within Negeri Sembilan.

In addition, each player will receive a pair of MILLS football boots as part of the club’s commitment to supporting their preparation and performance.

Monthly Allowance Increase Approved

In further positive news, YAB Pengerusi Tok Min has approved an increase in the monthly training allowance for players, demonstrating strong institutional backing for youth development efforts. The club also extended its appreciation to KYNS Chief Executive, Tuan Mohd Asyraf Amin, and the entire KYNS workforce for their unwavering support in making this collaboration a success.

Official Registration Ceremony at KYNS

Earlier today, the official registration ceremony for the NSFC III squad was held at Kolej Yayasan Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Pilah. The meaningful event was attended by Tuan Mohd Asyraf Bin Amin alongside NSFC Technical Director Efendi Abd Malek.

A total of 25 young players were formally registered into the squad. More impressively, the initiative ensures that these players are not only developed as footballers but are also enrolled in academic programmes leading to the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 2 qualification.

As an added value proposition, all players will be encouraged to pursue grassroots coaching certification to strengthen their long-term career profile in football.

Diverse Talent Intake

Among the core intake of 18-year-old players, the breakdown includes:

  • 5 players from Akademi Mokhtar Dahari
  • 1 player from SSM Tunku Mahkota Ismail
  • 6 players from SSN Negeri Sembilan (SSN Za’ba)
  • 1 player from SMK Tunku Ampuan Durah, Seremban
  • 1 player from SMK Datuk Hj Abdul Samad, Port Dickson
  • 1 player from SMK Desa Cempaka, Nilai
  • 1 player from SMK Yam Tuan Radin, Port Dickson

This diversity highlights NSFC’s continued ability to attract and integrate promising talents from established development institutions and local schools alike.

A Realistic Yet Responsible Approach

The club has openly acknowledged a hard truth: not every player will progress to the next level, including NSFC II (Liga A1), and not all will secure professional contracts. However, through the integration of SKM certification and coaching qualifications, NSFC is ensuring that every player graduates from the programme with tangible skills and opportunities.

This initiative reflects the club’s long-term vision — building not only footballers, but responsible, employable and knowledgeable individuals who can contribute to the sport and society.

With strengthened structure, enhanced academic pathways and improved welfare support, NSFC III represents a significant step forward in the club’s youth development journey.

Norhafiz Zamani and Three Young Talents Set for Gainare Tottori Stint

Negeri Sembilan FC is pleased to announce that Under-20 Head Coach Norhafiz Zamani Misbah and three promising young players — Airiel Zafran Mohd Azrul (20), Aqil Faris Shalahudin (19), and Adam Haris Hamizon (21) — will travel to Gainare Tottori of Japan’s J3 League for a one-month training and trial programme beginning at the end of February.

During their time in Japan, the three players will undergo a structured assessment under Gainare Tottori’s academy coaching staff. Should they meet the required standards and criteria, they will be afforded the opportunity to train with the club’s senior squad — a significant step in their professional development pathway.

At the same time, Norhafiz Zamani Misbah will be embedded within Gainare Tottori’s first-team coaching structure, where he will gain first-hand exposure to advanced training methodologies, team management systems, and tactical frameworks practised within Japan’s highly disciplined and high-intensity professional football environment.

According to NSFC Chairman, Aminuddin Harun, the initiative is designed to elevate the quality of local youth players as part of preparations for this year’s SUKMA Games, while also opening the door for potential professional contracts in the J-League should the players meet the required benchmarks.

“This training and trial programme reflects NSFC’s serious commitment to building a sustainable and competitive youth development foundation. We cannot rely solely on short-term success; we must establish a strong structure for the future.

Our positive relationship with Gainare Tottori creates valuable opportunities for our players and coaches to experience Japan’s professional football ecosystem, renowned for its discipline and intensity.

I hope this opportunity is fully embraced — not only for personal growth, but to bring back new knowledge and standards that can elevate the quality of football in Negeri Sembilan.”

This initiative forms part of NSFC’s long-term strategy to nurture emerging talents as future pillars of the club’s Super League squad. Rather than focusing narrowly on immediate results, the club continues to invest in structured exposure, international benchmarking, and sustainable player progression.

NSFC has also affirmed that programmes of this nature will be implemented annually, involving different groups of young players as part of the club’s continuous development blueprint.

Through consistent international exposure and strategic partnerships, NSFC remains confident that local talents can be empowered to compete at higher levels — strengthening the club’s Super League ambitions while proudly representing Negeri Sembilan on a broader stage.

Future Jangs Start Here: NSFC Football School Seremban Opens Registration

Negeri Sembilan FC is pleased to announce that early registration for NSFC Football School Seremban is officially open.

Designed to nurture the next generation of football talent, this programme provides boys and girls aged 7 to 12 years old with the opportunity to train in a structured, professional environment under the guidance of qualified and accredited coaches.

If your child has a passion for football, this is the platform to develop their skills, discipline, and confidence—while proudly wearing the NSFC badge.

Programme Details

  • Eligibility: Boys & Girls (7–12 Years Old)
  • Location: Senawang, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
  • Training Start Date: 4 April 2026
  • Training Schedule: Once a week (Every Saturday)

Registration & Fees

Take advantage of our promotional early bird registration fee of RM130 (original price RM150).

The registration fee includes:

  • First month’s training fee
  • Complete training kit (jersey & shorts)

Monthly fee thereafter is RM60 only.
(Monthly fee does not include tournament or competition fees where applicable.)

More Than Just Training

NSFC Football School offers more than weekly sessions on the pitch. Participants will benefit from:

  • Full guidance from licensed and recognised coaching staff
  • Group insurance coverage
  • Weekly nutrition guidance and tips
  • Opportunities to compete in Liga Suparimau and PBNS League
  • Potential pathway to join the NSFC Elite Squad (subject to performance and eligibility)
  • 5% discount on second-year registration fee

This is part of Negeri Sembilan FC’s long-term commitment to grassroots development—building a sustainable football ecosystem and identifying future Hobin Jang Hobin stars from within the state.

Register Now

Parents are encouraged to secure their child’s place early. Click the link here for registration and further information.

Let your child begin their football journey the right way—with discipline, structure, and the pride of representing Negeri Sembilan FC.

NSFC Uncovers Tomorrow’s Stars at Under-10 & Under-12 Selection Trials

A total of 80 young talents aged between 9 and 12 took part in the first phase of the Negeri Sembilan FC Under-10 and Under-12 player selection trials held today, marking an important step in forming the club’s next generation squads.

The two-day selection process (7 & 8 February 2026) is designed to identify the most promising players, with only those who pass the initial screening advancing to the final selection session on the second day.

All participants were scouted through NSFC’s ongoing talent identification programme, led by the club’s development coaching team in collaboration with football clubs and academies across Negeri Sembilan.

The selection panel is headed by NSFC Technical Director Efendi Abd Malek, supported by Head of Youth Development Zahiruddin Amirudin, alongside the coaching staff of the Under-10 and Under-12 squads. Together, they will assess the players’ technical ability, game understanding, and overall potential as part of NSFC’s long-term youth development pathway.

This initiative underlines Negeri Sembilan FC’s continued commitment to grassroots football and building a sustainable future by nurturing local talent from a young age.

NSFC Football Schools Open Recruitment for Grassroots Coaches

Are you passionate about contributing to grassroots football development in Negeri Sembilan? Negeri Sembilan FC Football Schools are now inviting qualified and committed individuals to join our coaching team.

9 coaching positions available!

Training Age Group: 7–12 years old
Qualifications Required: AFC/FAM Licence B, C, D, or Grassroots
Working Days: Every Saturday & Sunday (Training Sessions) and Matchdays
Location: Senawang, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

Additional Requirements:

  • Must have a clean criminal record (background checks will be conducted).
  • Successful applicants must complete the “FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Football” course.

Interested? Scan the QR code on the poster to register or click this link.

Be part of the journey in shaping the next generation of football talent in Negeri Sembilan.

Negeri Sembilan FC Unveils Long-Term Vision with Launch of NSFC Football School

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its grassroots and elite development pathway with the official announcement of the Negeri Sembilan FC Football School (NSFC FS), a structured initiative targeting young players aged 7 to 12 across the state.

The programme, presented by NSFC Chief Executive Officer Faliq Firdaus to the Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Utama Menteri Besar, is designed to ensure that NSFC’s football philosophy and DNA are embedded from an early age, while providing accessible and well-regulated training opportunities for young talents.

A Statewide, Structured Football School Model

NSFC Football School will adopt a pay-to-play academy model, allowing the club to reach all districts in Negeri Sembilan — from Seremban to Jempol — in a sustainable and organised manner. The initial rollout will begin in Seremban, before expanding gradually to other regions.

All participating centres will be guided by licensed coaches holding FAM Grassroots, D, C and B licences, ensuring a consistent and professional coaching standard. Coaches with AFC B licences will play a central role, with one appointed as Head Coach of the Central Programme to oversee implementation and quality control across all locations.

Soft Landing Platform for Young Talent

In light of the closure of several NFDP centres nationwide, NSFC Football School is positioned as a “soft landing” platform for young players to continue their football development within a structured ecosystem.

Players enrolled in NSFC FS will undergo evaluations every six months. Those who meet the required performance and development criteria may be:

  • Progressed into NSFC Elite Development squads (U-10 and U-12), or
  • Considered for training scholarships to help retain promising talent regardless of financial background.

This approach ensures that talent identification and retention remain central to NSFC’s long-term planning.

Unified Philosophy and DNA Implementation

Starting this year, NSFC’s Football Philosophy and DNA will be implemented across all elite development squads, ensuring alignment in playing style, training methodology and values from grassroots to professional levels.

While NSFC will maintain its focus on elite talent development, the Negeri Sembilan FA (PBNS) will continue to play a complementary role by providing mass-participation platforms, particularly through competitions such as Liga Suparimau and Liga PBNS. This structure helps manage weekly and monthly costs borne by parents, while offering competitive exposure for young players.

Phased Growth with Long-Term Commitment

NSFC acknowledges that the initial implementation phase may present challenges, but the club remains committed to continuous improvement.

“On paper, everything may look ideal, but early execution can be scrappy. What matters is that we improve over time — this is the direction we want to move towards,” the club leadership emphasised.

Once the 7–12 age group framework is fully stabilised, NSFC plans to expand the programme to include players aged 13 to 17, further strengthening the development pipeline.

Looking Ahead

The announcement also hints at future initiatives involving players released from the Piala Presiden level who are not yet ready for Liga Super demands, with further details expected to be shared as part of NSFC’s 2026 development strategy.

Registration details and further announcements regarding NSFC Football School will be released soon through official NSFC platforms.

Hobin Jang Hobin.

NSFC Football School: Building a Sustainable Pathway from Grassroots to Elite Football

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) continues to strengthen its long-term commitment to youth development with the upcoming establishment of the NSFC Football School, a key milestone in the club’s grassroots and elite pathway strategy.

The recently concluded season marked a meaningful chapter for NSFC’s youngest age groups, with the B-12 squad successfully completing a full year of structured training under the club’s development programme. This also represents the second year of operations for the B-10 and B-12 squads at the PBNS Training Centre in Rahang—an important foundation phase in shaping the future of Negeri Sembilan football.

Gradual, Sustainable Development

NSFC has adopted a measured and financially responsible approach to youth development.

  • Last year, training sessions were conducted once a week
  • This year, the frequency increased to twice a week
  • Next year, the plan is to move towards three sessions per week, in line with the club’s operational capacity

This gradual progression ensures that quality, player welfare, and coaching standards are maintained while the programme continues to grow sustainably.

Encouragingly, several players from the current development groups are expected to progress into AMD programmes and sports schools (SSN), reflecting the effectiveness of NSFC’s early-stage training framework.

NSFC Football School: Strengthening the Grassroots Pipeline

The NSFC Football School will initially be established in Seremban, before expanding to other districts. Its primary objective is to formalise the grassroots pathway, allowing young players to enter a structured system from an early age and progress organically into elite squads such as NSFC B-10 to B-12.

Parents who believe in NSFC’s football methodology will have the opportunity to enrol their children through a monthly subscription model, ensuring accessibility while maintaining professional standards.

This model creates a clear, visible pathway:
Grassroots Football School → Elite Youth Teams → Academy → Senior Team

Learning from Proven Global Models

Many successful clubs around the world operate using a similar dual-structure system:

  • Grassroots programmes to widen talent identification
  • Elite squads to focus on high-performance development

Clubs such as Ajax, Bayern Munich, and leading Asian teams have demonstrated that combining mass participation with elite refinement produces technically strong, mentally resilient players who understand club philosophy from a young age.

NSFC’s approach aligns with these best practices—embedding club DNA early, while ensuring only the most prepared players advance to elite levels.

Benefits of Having Both Grassroots and Elite Teams

Having both systems working together brings clear advantages:

  • Wider talent pool through grassroots participation
  • Early identification of high-potential players
  • Consistent playing philosophy across all age groups
  • Reduced adaptation gap when players move into elite squads
  • Stronger emotional connection between players, families, and the club

This structure also allows NSFC to remain competitive while staying rooted in community development.

Leadership and Future Vision

Under the leadership of Technical Director Efendi Abd Malek, NSFC Development is entering an exciting phase. The club is also set to place its Head of Coaching within the B-17 SSN Za’ba programme, supporting talent development while gradually elevating SSN Za’ba into an official NSFC Academy partner.

With sufficient resources, NSFC aims to expand this collaboration further, including penetration into B-14 levels, reinforcing a complete development ladder.

Keys to Making NSFC Football School a Success

To ensure long-term success, several strategic elements will be crucial:

  1. Standardised coaching curriculum aligned with NSFC’s football DNA
  2. Continuous coach education to maintain training quality
  3. Clear assessment benchmarks for progression from grassroots to elite
  4. Strong parent engagement and communication
  5. Integration with local schools and community programmes

Looking Ahead

NSFC fans acknowledges that challenges remain and extends its appreciation to all stakeholders for their patience and support throughout the year. With continuous improvements, clearer pathways, and strong leadership, the NSFC Football School is poised to become a cornerstone of Negeri Sembilan’s football ecosystem.

The future of NSFC Development starts at the grassroots—and the journey has only just begun.

Lim Teong Kim Inspires Youth Development Focus at NSFC Refresher Course 1.0

The second day of NSFC Refresher Course 1.0 continued today with three key sessions centred on the holistic development of coaches, reinforcing Negeri Sembilan FC’s long-term vision for sustainable youth progression.

A highlight of the day was a special sharing session by Lim Teong Kim, former coach of the Bayern Munich Academy and former Technical Director of Akademi Mokhtar Dahari (AMD). Drawing from his extensive experience at elite youth environments, Lim offered valuable insights into modern player development, talent identification, and the importance of structured coaching pathways.

During the session, Lim emphasised the role of coaches not only as tacticians, but also as educators and mentors in shaping young players both on and off the pitch. His perspectives provided practical guidance on building strong foundations at grassroots level while maintaining alignment with professional football standards.

This ongoing initiative forms part of Negeri Sembilan FC’s commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Negeri Sembilan Football DNA across all levels of development. By continuously investing in coach education and knowledge-sharing, the club aims to ensure a unified philosophy that supports long-term player growth and a sustainable football ecosystem for the future.

NSFC Refresher Course 1.0 Sets Foundation for Unified Football DNA

Negeri Sembilan FC officially kicked off the first day of NSFC Refresher Course 1.0 today at Wisma PBNS, marking an important step in strengthening coaching standards and aligning development pathways across the club.

The three-day programme brings together NSFC’s development coaches from various age-group teams, including the Under-20, Under-18, Under-17, Under-14, Women’s Under-16, Under-12 and Under-10 squads. The initiative serves as an early phase in implementing a unified Negeri Sembilan FC football DNA across all levels of player development.

This shared philosophy will also be introduced at the upcoming NSFC Football School, which is scheduled to be launched in the near future, ensuring continuity and consistency from grassroots to elite pathways.

The programme is led by NSFC Technical Director, Efendi Abd Malek, and will run from today until Sunday. The refresher course combines structured discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at enhancing coaching methodologies while reinforcing the club’s long-term vision.

Tomorrow’s session will feature a special sharing by Lim Teong Kim, former coach of the FC Bayern Munich Academy and former Technical Director of Akademi Mokhtar Dahari (AMD), who will share insights drawn from his extensive experience in elite youth development.

As part of its long-term commitment to continuous improvement, the NSFC Refresher Course will be conducted regularly every three to six months, reinforcing the club’s focus on coach education, sustainable development, and the establishment of a clear and consistent playing identity for Negeri Sembilan FC.