Musketeers Football Academy Joins PBDS to Boost Grassroots Football in Sandakan

1 March 2026

SANDAKAN: Musketeers Football Academy paid a courtesy visit to the Sandakan District Football Association (PBDS) in an effort to strengthen strategic relations and empower grassroots football development in the district.

The delegation from Musketeers was led by its President, Hardy Pudar, accompanied by the coaching team comprising Coach Arif Tumin (Head Coach), Coach Dasri Paddu, Coach Talib Rakam, Coach Itnes Kalang, and Coach Mohd Noor Among.

Representing PBDS was its President, Farizal Setoh, along with Rusli Hassan (Vice President 1).

The visit aimed to foster closer ties between the two organisations, share the academy’s vision, and present ongoing and upcoming programmes and activities. Additionally, the meeting provided a platform to explore potential strategic collaborations for the benefit of football development in Sandakan.

During the sharing session, Hardy Pudar introduced the main theme of Musketeers – “More Than Just Football” – grounded in the 5K concept: Sport, Knowledge, Skills, Family & Community.

He emphasised that youth development extends beyond on-field skills; it also involves character building, leadership, education, and establishing a strong community network.

Meanwhile, Farizal expressed his excitement and welcomed Musketeers to Sandakan. He also announced that Musketeers Football Academy has been accepted as a member of PBDS, thereby strengthening the academy’s position within the local football ecosystem.

He further added that PBDS is ready to make this academy a role model, based on its achievements and current capabilities demonstrated through various development programmes and active collaboration networks.

This courtesy visit is hoped to be the starting point for closer and more impactful collaboration, aimed at nurturing a generation of football players who are competitive, knowledgeable, and well-aspired in Sandakan.