Indonesian football school builds character through discipline and sportsmanship

In Solok Selatan, West Sumatra, the SSB Kolonal football school is doing more than just teaching children how to play soccer; it's building character. For approximately 60 elementary school-aged children, the school serves as a vital space to develop discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy lifestyle habits, all within the engaging framework of football.

Three times a week, these young participants put away their gadgets and gather on the field for practice sessions lasting around two hours. During this time, they not only hone their football skills but also cultivate essential social interactions and build routines of physical activity. "Football is not just about playing and competing, but also about teaching discipline, cooperation, sportsmanship, and healthy living," stated Yasril Awan, the founder and coach of SSB Kolonal.

Now in its second year, SSB Kolonal operates as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program by PT Kencana Sawit Indonesia (KSI), a Wilmar Group company. The initiative provides local children with the opportunity to train for free, fostering their interest and talent in the sport. Yasril Awan, who works as a civil engineer at PT KSI, initiated the school to offer positive activities for the children in the area.

Children participating in SSB Kolonal do not pay any fees for training. While they are responsible for their training uniforms, essential equipment like footballs are provided through donations from company employees. The program has already seen the SSB Kolonal team participate in several football tournaments at the Solok Selatan district level.

"We hope to nurture football talents who can achieve success from here. But most importantly, the children gain experience, learn to cooperate, and grow into healthy and disciplined individuals," said Yasril. He envisions the school not just as a talent incubator for future footballers, but as a crucial space for early childhood development, interaction, and potential realization. The young players aspire to represent Solok Selatan and West Sumatra on national stages, driven by the values of discipline, sportsmanship, and cooperation instilled at SSB Kolonal.