KUALA LUMPUR – The MILO® Hidup Bola carnival proudly marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of empowering Malaysian youth through futsal. As Malaysia’s longest-running youth futsal programme, MILO® Hidup Bola has engaged over 200,000 children since its inception in 2005, nurturing not only athletic talent but also instilling invaluable life lessons such as teamwork, resilience, and discipline.
The premier youth futsal programme has been instrumental in producing national footballers and futsal stars who credit MILO® Hidup Bola with laying the foundations for their careers. By blending technical skill development with character-building values, the initiative embodies the belief that “Sports is a Great Teacher,” guiding young players to pursue their dreams both on and off the court.
A Legacy of Developing Talent and Character
Chiew Chun Yong, fondly known as Coach Yong, a former head coach of Malaysia’s men’s national futsal team, has witnessed firsthand the programme’s profound impact. “I’ve seen firsthand how effective this program is. Many players who started in MILO® Hidup Bola are now playing in the Malaysia Premier Futsal League (MPFL). Some have even made it to the national football team,” he recalled. Coach Yong’s philosophy, emphasizing that sport builds character, has inspired countless volunteer coaches, fostering a self-sustaining community. He highlighted the mental toughness developed in young players during competition, observing them play “with heart, soul, and great passion.”
Coach Yong also shared his experience from 2015 when he helped develop the MILO® Champions Clinic, focusing on basic techniques for beginners. “Watching a seven-year-old evolve into a confident, disciplined athlete is the greatest reward,” he said.
Among MILO® Hidup Bola’s notable alumni are Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat, now a defender for Penang FC, and Nur Alya Marissa Binti Nur Al Fatah, who has achieved international acclaim in futsal. Their success is echoed by peers like Azri Ghani (KL City), Arif Aiman (JDT FC), Shivan Pillay (Perak FC), and Feroz Baharudin (JDT FC), all of whom honed their skills through the programme.
The influence of MILO® Hidup Bola extends globally. Nur Dhiyaa Addin, recently honored as Pemain Muda Terbaik Liga Wanita Nasional 2024, was one of 24 selected for the MILO Champions Clinic: FC Barcelona Edition. She vividly recounted her 2018 Barcelona tour, where “MILO’s motto at that time ‘Takkan Gentar’—Never Give Up—kept me going.” Her advice for the next generation underscores the importance of discipline, hard work, humility, and seizing every opportunity.
Coach Yong further emphasized the programme’s focus on team dynamics: “We always emphasise that futsal is a team sport. While individual technique is important, it must serve the team… I also focus on game understanding—tactics, positioning, and movement. We train them to play, attack, defend, and support as a team. That’s where life lessons come in—communication, cooperation, and responsibility.”
Lim Kerwin, Head of Sports Marketing, MILO®, Nestlé Malaysia, reinforced the brand’s unwavering long-term commitment. “We believe every child deserves the chance to dream. By providing quality coaching, healthy competition and character-building experiences, MILO® Hidup Bola invests in both the nation’s sporting future and its future leaders. Our commitment remains unwavering: to ensure the futsal community – coaches, athletes and parents, realise the importance of sports for generations to come and nurture young talents from an early age.”
To join the celebration or support young talents, visit https://www.milo.com.my/get-active/milo-hidup-bola for tournament dates, team registrations, and match results.
