Gresik, E. Java. Around 300 children from various football schools (SSB) across Gresik Regency took part in the Freeport Grassroots Tournament (FGT) 2026, held at Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium on April 24–25, in a youth football initiative aimed at developing grassroots talent in Indonesia.

The tournament, organized by Freeport Indonesia, brought together U-10 and U-12 teams in a competitive but development-focused format designed to nurture young athletes and strengthen local football ecosystems.

“Exciting and fun. But I was nervous during the penalty shootout,” said 10-year-old Choirul Ashar from SSB Mengare, who was named Best Goalkeeper in the U-10 category.

He said participation in the tournament has boosted his team’s motivation and teamwork, adding that players also received football boots after the event.

FGT is an annual program held in collaboration with the Persatuan Sepak Bola Seluruh Indonesia and supported by PT Garuda Sepak Bola Indonesia. This year’s edition featured 10 teams in each age category and introduced a rotation system to ensure more balanced opportunities for player development across participating academies.

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir praised Freeport’s continued support for youth football development in Indonesia.

“This strengthens PSSI’s commitment to developing grassroots football through competition, collaboration, and quality coaching development,” he said.

PT Freeport Indonesia Vice President for External Affairs Smelter, Erika Silva, said the tournament reflects the company’s broader engagement with local communities.

“PTFI in Gresik is not only focused on industrial operations, but also growing together with the community, including through youth sports development,” she said.

Beyond competition, the 2026 tournament distributed 300 pairs of football shoes for SSB in Gresik, with additional donations planned for youth academies in Timika and Jayapura.

SSB Serdadu Sidowungu coach Muhammad Ashori said the program provides meaningful recognition for young players.

“Success in football starts from the grassroots. This is where future professional talent is formed,” he said.

Former Indonesian national team player Evan Dimas, who attended the event, emphasized that youth competitions should focus not only on winning but also on character building.

“Football is not just about skill, but also discipline, fair play, mentality, and attitude from an early age,” he said.

The tournament concluded after two days of competition. In the U-10 category, SSB Nusa Gemilang won first place, followed by WCP Pasopati and SSB Mengare. Individual awards went to M. Mirza Arkhan Al Fari (Best Player) and Choirul Ashar (Best Goalkeeper).

In the U-12 category, SSB Gressia secured first place, followed by Peganden FC and SSB Mengare. Individual honors were awarded to Rasydhan Hiroshi El R (Best Player) and M. Haikal Sahrul (Best Goalkeeper).