The Soccer Veterans Association of Maldives (SVAM) has launched the Milo Svam Juniors tournament for the under-eight category in memory of the late coach Ihsan Abdul Ghani (Santhi).
Commissioner of Sports Mohamed Tholal was the chief guest at the ceremony held at the National Stadium on Monday night. Senior officials from SVAM and Santhi's family members attended the ceremony.
The Milo Svam Juniors tournament will be held in the upcoming weekend. Twenty-eight teams from 18 academies have taken part in the tournament. Each team has 18 members under the age of eight.
SVAM said about 500 children are participating and the tournament will be modified to ensure the involvement of all the children. Each team will play at least six matches over three days.
SVAM President Ayya. -- Photo: Athoof Athif/ Adhadhu Sports
SVAM President Ali Shameem (Koyaru Ayya) said one of the biggest objectives of Milo Svam Juniors tournament is to give children the opportunity to showcase their skills and instil love for football in their hearts.
“As such, we have been holding competitions for different age groups every year since 2012. We want the children to show their parents everything they learn during the exercises to help them grow,” Ayya said.
SVAM holds tournaments in three or four age groups each year. The Milo Svam Juniors is a tournament for the youngest age group to celebrate the many contributions of Santhi to football.
"The main purpose of planning and conducting these tournaments is to give the children the feel of competitive tournaments when they grow up and to teach them what a football match is by playing with referees and fans. These are not competitive tournaments. The tournament becomes competitive when coaches and parents are too involved and want to win,” Ayya said.
The academies participating in the tournament are Maziya Football Academy, Club Valencia, Aspire Academy, Odi Sports Academy, BG Academy, Bis Buru Sports Academy, Friend Football Family Academy, Hulhumale' Sports School, Phase Two Soccer Academy, Eydhafushi Football Academy, United Victory, Adventures Football Academy, The Stars Academy, Dhangethi Football Academy, Villimale United, SUS Academy, Ashfaq Academy and Maldives Soccer Mates (MSM).
Lanka Nestlé Limited Managing Director Bernhard Stefan. -- Photo: Athoof Athif/ Adhadhu Sports
Lanka Nestlé Limited Managing Director Bernhard Stefan said it was an honor to be involved in a youth football initiative that revives the memories of coach Santhi.
"From what I have learned from people who know Santhi, his service to Maldivian football goes beyond wins and trophies. He set an example in identifying good talent and developing players on and off the pitch," he stated.
Commissioner of Sports Tholal said he remembers Santhi as a person who served to develop sports in the Maldives. He thanked those involved in the initiative to revive his contributions.
