Hundreds of young football enthusiasts enlivened the U15 football tournament as part of the Makassar edition of the People's Football Festival at the Telkom Makassar Football Field, South Sulawesi.
A total of 160 participants and 32 coaching staff from 32 junior high schools (SSB) and high schools (SMA) participated in this tournament. In addition to the soccer tournament, there was also an 8x8 mini-soccer tournament with 360 participants and 48 coaches.
"I'm very fortunate to have the People's Football Festival, because it gives me the opportunity to play against other schools and learn about their strengths," said Muhammad Riyan, a student at Makassar State High School 6, in an official statement.
Not only an inter-school soccer tournament (SSB), the Makassar Soccer Festival also presents a coaching seminar from coaches Ricky Riskandi and Fabio Oliviera.
Ricky Riskandi was once the assistant coach of the Indonesian Women's National Team, while Fabio Oliviera was the assistant coach of the Indonesian national team in 2012. There were 48 coaches who attended this coaching seminar.
The Makassar edition of the People's Football Festival also featured a coaching clinic attended by 65 participants from all SSB in Makassar and around South Sulawesi.
"Mentoring young talent requires cross-sector collaboration involving federations, the government, the private sector, and grassroots communities. This initiative not only hones technical skills but also instills the values of discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork," said Ratu Tisha, a longtime soccer expert.
In addition to on-field activities, the People's Football Festival features an MSME bazaar to encourage local community economic growth, and is also enlivened by a podcast titled Nobar (Ngobrol Bola Ramean) featuring national football figures.
Makassar is the fourth city to host the event, after Jakarta, Labuan Bajo, and Palu. The next People's Football Festival 2026 will be held in Manado, June 25-27, 2026.
This festival is the result of a collaboration between PT Garuda Gemah Nusantara (GGN), the owner of the Cuwitan Digital brand, and Coca-Cola Indonesia to bring the euphoria of the 2026 World Cup to the Indonesian people.
Held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 23rd World Cup will open with a match between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium.
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