YOUTHS and schoolchildren in Damansara Damai can now play futsal at the newly-opened NPNG Sports Centre.
The complex has shifted from its former premises in Taman Desa Aman, Sungai Buloh to its present location to cater to the needs of a bigger number of residents.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman launched the centre together with Emkay Group and MK Land chairman Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar. The centre is owned by Mustapha Kamal’s son Ahmad Khalif.
In his speech, Roslan said the NPNG Sports Centre — which is an acronym for No Pain No Gain — is the first of such local community recreational facility in the Damansara Damai area which has a current population of 100,000.
Tough match: Schoolchildren participating in the Under-12 and Under-15 futsal competition at the newlyopened NPNG Sports Centre.
“We welcome this shift of location, as previously, people had to travel far into Kg Desa Aman to play sports.
“Hopefully with its more strategic premises now, more young people will be encouraged to take up (sports).”
Roslan said he was also grateful for the allotment of a 16ha urban park by MK Land in Damansara Damai. The park retains the original trees, while the track there has been used for an international mountain biking challenge for two years now.
Mustapha Kamal said in order to build a sporting culture among the young, there has to be facilities that provide opportunities and groom young talents.
“We have also formed an orang asli football team for those who hail from Damansara Perdana and Belum Forest.
“What we do is that we call for their participation, we hire a coach to train and identify the talented ones and get them to play at tournaments.
“So far, six of these youths have been called up for selection at the FAS level,” he said.
Meanwhile, the sports centre, built at a cost of RM1.6mil, houses two indoor futsal courts (of different pitch) and also an outdoor field. One of the courts is named Chelsea-Blue astroturf-pitch and Mustapha Kamal said both the courts and outdoor turf were of international standards.
Recently, it was chosen as Chelsea’s training ground during the Chelsea Asia Tour. The relationship has augured for a monthly football clinic that is being conducted here on a two-year programme.
He said schoolchildren from Damansara Damai could use the courts for free but there would be a fee charged for others.
The launching also coincided with a Hari Raya open house and family day organised by Emkay Recreation Club and MK Land Sports and Welfare Club.
For booking and fee details of the sports centre, visit www.npng.com.my
