The Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) academy is the first grassroots academy in the country to receive the FA of Malaysia (FAM) SupaRimau Gold Member Plaque and certificate.
The SupaRimau Plaque is FAM’s initiative and commitment to improving the standards of national football academies and put them on the right track at the grassroots football level.
JDT technical director Alistair Edwards said the recognition was a motivation for the academy to work harder to achieve excellence and success.
“We are thrilled in a number of ways that our academy is recognised by FAM, and I think everyone can see the benefit of what you do if you really focus on youth development,” he told reporters after receiving the plaque and certificate at JDT headquarters here on Tuesday.
It was presented by FAM secretary-general Stuart Ramalingam.
With the Gold Member Plaque recognition and honour, the JDT academy is set to enjoy various perks including accreditation, an official recognition by the FAM.
Meanwhile, Stuart said five criteria needed to be met before an academy can qualify for the FAM SupaRimau membership — leadership, planning, facilities, grassroots competitions and education.
“JDT had been assessed in those five key areas, and I am proud to announce that JDT excelled in every key criterion.
“On behalf of FAM president Datuk Hamidin Amin and exco, I extend my utmost appreciation to JDT owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim for his wholehearted devotion in developing the game of football in Malaysia and today is a sign of his achievement and vision for grassroots football,” he said.