KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Coaches Association of Malaysia (FCAM) has pledged to revitalise its activities after managing to stave off deregistration from the Sports Commissioner’s Office.
Initially on the brink of being labelled as an irrelevant entity within the sports landscape, FCAM faced scrutiny due to its perceived lack of contribution to sports development, especially when compared to other active sports associations.
However, it was found that the football coaches’ body, which falls under the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), did not breach the criteria of the Sports Development Act 1997.
The act is designed to promote and facilitate the development and administration of sports in Malaysia and to provide for other related matters.
Speaking to Scoop, FCAM president Datuk Ong Kim Swee said they are currently working together with FAM to come up with more initiatives aimed at empowering coaches.
“Two weeks ago, myself and the FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman had a meeting with the sports commissioner Suhardi Alias. We clarified everything he wanted to know about our association.
“I don’t blame the sports commissioner for making assumptions about us, as I have to agree that we were not that active over the past few months.
“After our discussion with the sports commissioner, he was really happy with our explanation, and he told us that he’s ready to give us full support for our initiatives in the future,” said Kim Swee, when contacted.
Furthermore, recent statements from the sports commissioner affirming FCAM’s historical contributions to coach empowerment have bolstered the association’s resolve.
Kim Swee said FCAM’s collaboration with FAM’s technical department promises a wave of fresh coaching courses and programmes, including initiatives sanctioned under the National Football Development Programme (NFDP).
“Looking ahead, FCAM is planning to host a symposium for coaches from Malaysia Football League clubs before the new season begins,” he added.
Established in 1994 with the mission to safeguard the rights of football coaches across Malaysia, FCAM boasts approximately 700 active members.
Formerly the vice president, Kim Swee assumed the role of acting president following the passing of B. Sathianathan, who died of cancer last year. – February 29, 2024