02 Jun NFDP Players Hit It Off with Football Ace

Fifty National Football Development Program (NFDP) players were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to mingle and break fast with Malaysian professional footballer, Faiz Subri of Penang FA at the One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, earlier today.

The privilege of being able to socialize with the professional footballer enabled further motivation and inspiration, especially for the 25 NFDP players who have been selected to take part in a series of friendly matches in Clairefontaine, France.

The team departs for France on June 5 before going up against the Clairefontaine U-15 selection and the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) U-15 selection. Thereafter, the NFDP U-15 Elite team will then continue their journey to Amsterdam on June 11 to undertake a series of friendly matches (June 13 – Feyenoord; June 20 – SBV Vitesse) and to compete in an U-15 tournament featuring teams from the Dutch Eredivisie League (17 June – AZ Alkmaar, FC Copenhagen, PSV Eindhoven and SBV Vitesse).

adidas, NFDP’s official sportswear partner were present to grace the event as they presented 25 boys of the Under-15 Elite team with the new Dust Storm Pack (Ace, Nemeziz and X) boots. It was adidas’ way of showing its support by ensuring our next generation of players is equipped with the best footwear.

The Dust Storm Pack features Nemeziz, the latest boot from adidas Football as one of the key silos alongside the Ace and X. Nemeziz’s stadium, street and cage versions introduced several new designs such as the AGILITYKNIT 2.0 and TORSIONTAPES technology to deliver the ultimate fit and lightweight feel to cater for the most agile players of the game. The boot – launched with a bold black and white colourway – is already in adidas retail outlets nationwide.

“I think this event is highly beneficial for our team of young players and we are thankful to adidas as this opportunity came at the right time just before the boys leave for France. This is a great boost in morale as the players are excited to receive the latest adidas football boots, the Dust Storm Pack,” said Safirul Azli Abu Bakar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NFDP.

He added, that the event provided good exposure for the boys as they were given the opportunity to meet 2016 Puskas Award winner, Faiz Subri. A meet-and-greet session was held between the NFDP players and the professional footballer as Faiz shared valuable experience and challenges in his career.

Faiz, Penang FA’s key player, agreed that it was a good form of communication with the NFDP players as they were able to interact with ease.

“The meet-and-greet session was a good idea as we were able to socialize and motivate the boys. From this, I believe they will be spurred on to perform and to do their best in France,” said Faiz.

29-year old Faiz commented on how committed the NFDP players were as they embark on competitions worldwide in order to improve and gain experience.

“It’s very encouraging to see all these youngsters with a passion for football and want to constantly improve themselves. Looking at them now, I can say that they will definitely have a bright future in football and one day represent our beloved nation,” added Faiz.