Four Teams Crowned Champions At The Successful Fifth Edition Of The LALIGA Youth Tournament Malaysia
KSAH Vipers (U16), JESS FC (U14), JDT FC (U12) and Prime Tiger (U10) were the champions in their respective categories at the fifth edition of the LALIGA Youth Tournament Malaysia, held from 11-13 July at the University Putra Malaysia (UPM) Campus. In addition to the team prizes, the best player of the tournament was also awarded.
From 11-13 July 2025, more than 70 top-level academies and grassroots football clubs, both elite and developmental, gathered at the LALIGA Youth Tournament Malaysia 2025, the most competitive international grassroots football event in the region. For three days, the campus of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), just 20 minutes from the centre of Kuala Lumpur, was transformed into a vibrant stage with intense matches, thrilling rivalries and unforgettable moments for young talents between the ages of 10 and 16.
Teams from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, India, Pakistan China, Singapore and the Philippines competed on FIFA-sized pitches, aiming to raise their competitive level and live a unique experience. All players received an official limited edition LALIGA medal and an approved badge on the sleeve of their jersey. Moreover, the best players in each category were awarded a one-week scholarship to attend a LALIGA Camp at LALIGA Academy Malaysia. In addition to the tournament, there were numerous activities for players and fans, making the event a unique experience.
Thus, after the success of its first four editions, the tournament, organised by LALIGA and Sambill Park, is now consolidated as one of the most important grassroots football events in Southeast Asia, with more than 70 participating teams, the presence of more than 4000 spectators throughout the weekend.
“We are very proud of the success of this edition of the LALIGA Youth Tournament in the country. Malaysia is precisely the place where this tournament was born, and today it has already been replicated with great success in more than five countries in the world. Seeing how it grows and connects with so many young talents reaffirms our commitment to the development of grassroots football in Asia and in the country, where there are more projects of this type,” said Adrian Prol, LALIGA delegate in Malaysia.
“We are proud to bring the LALIGA Youth Tournament 2025 to life, a platform where young talents from across the region unite, compete, and grow through the spirit of football. This tournament is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of youth, a carnival, discipline, and international sportsmanship. This year, Sambill Park introduces an exciting new feature: exclusive coaching networking sessions within the Coaches-Only Arena. Designed to foster meaningful connections, this initiative aims to bring international coaches together to exchange insights, build friendships, and strengthen the global football community. With LALIGA’s global prestige behind us, we are not only nurturing future stars but also strengthening Malaysia’s position as a hub for elite youth sports development.” said Daniel Wong, Managing Director of Sambill Park.
The tournament is part of LALIGA’s firm commitment to the development of grassroots football in the region, along with initiatives such as LALIGA Academy Malaysia, inaugurated in 2023 in collaboration with Epsom College, on a 50-acre campus on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, or LALIGA Youth League. In addition, the Extratime Malaysia industry event this past June addressed the key challenges in grassroots football, consolidating LALIGA’s positioning in this area.