RYTHM Foundation recently hosted a friendly football match between two Malaysian schools, SMK Vivekananda and SMK Bangsar, as part of its inclusive youth football programme, Jaguh RF.
The event highlighted students’ progress who have been honing their skills through several months of training, showcasing their athletic abilities, teamwork, strategic thinking, and resilience.
The Rise of an Inclusive Youth Football Programme
Launched in 2021, the Jaguh RF programme was initially designed to help teen boys from disadvantaged families excel through sports.
However, 2023 marked a significant milestone as the programme expanded to include girls, making it a truly inclusive youth football programme.
The friendly match featured separate boys’ and girls’ teams from each school, each competing in a 60-minute game divided into two halves. QNET. To ensure the teams were fully prepared to perform at their best, they were provided with sponsored kits that included jerseys from QNET, the global lifestyle and wellness brand of the QI Group of Companies, and boots by RYTHM.
The primary goals of the match were to assess the participants’ progress, allow them to apply their training in a real-game setting, and build their confidence under pressure.
The Head of RYTHM Foundation, Santhi Periasamy, emphasised the programme’s broader impact: “Jaguh RF isn’t just about football—it’s about building character, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. We want these young players to become community leaders on and off the field.”
Shaping the Future of Malaysian Youth
The primary goals of the match were to assess the participants’ progress, allow them to apply their training in a real-game setting, and build their confidence under pressure.
Beyond football skills, the programme integrates football and education to foster sports excellence and holistic academic and personal development.
Its broader, long-term aims include producing youths capable of managing their lives, making wise educational and career choices, and developing a sense of loyalty towards their communities.
Matches like this demonstrate how sports can be a powerful tool for transformation, opening doors to brighter futures for young participants.
“Seeing these young players in action was truly inspiring. Their dedication, teamwork, and growth over the past few months prove that every child can achieve greatness with the right support,” Santhi said.
Learn more about how Jaguh RF empowers Malaysian youth and creates opportunities for a brighter future.