KUALA LUMPUR: When Tarmizie Shahidan began training children in his neighbourhood in Seri Kembangan, Selangor over a decade ago, he never imagined he would one day be organising an annual football league for various age groups in the Klang Valley.
Tomorrow, the Under-14 final of the Vipers Super Sunday League kicks off at the Universiti Tenaga Nasional Mini Stadium in Bangi, Selangor. For Tarmizie and his team at Lestari Vipers FC, it marks yet another effort worthy of recognition.
“We have so many good young players. I’m sure there are many more in other parts of the country,” said Tarmizie, 45, an IT programme manager at a local bank.
“What is lacking is the uniform adoption of a football philosophy. There is one under FAM’s F:30 blueprint, but how many clubs and academies at the grassroots level are actually practising it?”
Launched in 2018, FAM’s F:30 aims to place Malaysia among Asia’s top five football nations by 2030. The roadmap spans 12 years over three phases: the foundational years from 2019 to 2022, the continental ambitions from 2023 to 2026, and finally 2027 to 2030, which targets a world-class national team. While comprehensive on paper, the outcomes of the early phases have yet to materialise convincingly.
Tarmizie said clubs that adopt a consistent football philosophy will not be destabilised by changes in coaches or players, as the style of play remains constant.
“To adopt a football philosophy, education is key. We need thinkers.”
He dismissed suggestions that children cannot balance studies and sports, pointing out that several of his players achieved straight As while performing well on the pitch.
“Education is crucial. I know someone who played for the Penang youth team. He was so fixated on football that he neglected his studies and failed to further his education. His football career ended abruptly, and he is now an e-hailing rider.”
Hailing from Taiping, Perak, Tarmizie is also eager to push for a ‘Grand Slam’-style youth football structure. He hopes to see all league operators nationwide assemble their league winners for a Champions of Champions competition at the end of each season.
“If this happens, we’ll see the best of the best coming together. It makes scouting talent much easier.
“Imagine the matches being played at Merdeka Stadium or the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. That would be a real crowd puller.”
For now, Tarmizie and his three-man team – Azli Idris, Anass Yaakob and Zaihan Zainal – will soon start planning for the 2026 edition of their Vipers Super Sunday League.
“There are only four of us in the organising committee,” he said, laughing. “But we’re blessed. The parents and siblings of the players have all contributed hugely to making the league happen.”
Sustainability key in running football league
This season’s league featured 68 teams across six age categories, from Under-6 to Under-16. The number has grown steadily since the league began in 2018 as the Vipers Cup, before being rebranded as the Vipers Super Sunday League in 2022.
“Why Super Sunday? Because our matches are held only on Sundays. This allows teams to train the day before and come into the weekend in competitive mode. It’s similar to what is done in parts of Europe,” said Tarmizie.
“The league usually starts in August or September and runs for about four weeks, depending on the weather. For the rest of the year, we train and join other competitions.”
Organising the league costs around RM30,000.
“Our membership fee is only RM30 per child a month. So we can’t rely on fees alone. Referees and logistics take up most of the budget.
“While volunteerism helps, community support has been overwhelming. We’ve also received help from local representatives. We’re very grateful.”
This year, Lestari Vipers secured support from several parties namely Ziq Engineering, Orgaherbs, Kynergy Homestay, MBI Selangor, Figos, Mr Mamak Bistro, the Implementation Coordination Unit at the Prime Minister's Office, Seri Serdang assemblyman's office, Putra Chow Kuehtiaw, Golden Global Network, Vipers Parents Team and Agogo Sdn Bhd (ExtraJos).
“But sustainability isn’t just about money. It’s about resources and manpower. Without the stakeholders who help us, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
Players in the Vipers Super Sunday League also earn points for their PAJSK assessment – a requirement for public school students.
“We’re doing what we can to create a fun, healthy football ecosystem. We want more children to get involved for recreation, health and to boost the industry. I hope to see more attention given to grassroots football and the work we’re doing,” he added.