JITRA: THE former France-based striker, Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, launched his football academy at SK Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin here.
The 33-year-old footballer, who was also a former student of the school, said it was his dream to open the Akmal Rizal Jr Football Academy.
Akmal Rizal said the purpose of the academy was to develop the sport here and serve as a centre for young players to train.
“It is time I give back to the community after their unwavering support for my career. I hope the academy will help young players to showcase their talent and their potential to be an international footballer,” he said during a press conference after launching the academy.
Present were academy manager Nesar Ahmad Khan and state Education Department sports unit head Lazit Ahmad.
Akmal Rizal said training would be conducted by the former national footballers and his friends.
Some 80 pupils from the school have been selected to join the academy. For now, registration is only open to pupils from the school.
“We will open registration and select pupils from other schools if the response is good from other schools.”
Akmal Rizal, who has played for Kedah, Selangor, Kelantan, Perak and Sarawak, said he hoped the academy would inspire children to dream big and show what they are capable of.
Mohd Amar Hayazi Mohd Fadzil, 9, said he was happy to be selected to join the academy.
Amar Hayazi, who’se dream was to be an international player like Akmal, said he would take the opportunity to perform well in the academy.
“I wish to be like Akmal Rizal and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (Mat Yo), and to be selected as an international football player one day,” he said.
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