MIRI: The dream of transforming Miri into a football hub has been a long-held aspiration by many in the city’s sporting community. According to Benedict Martin, former Sarawak football player and founder of the Playmaker Academy, that dream is long overdue for realisation.
As a passionate advocate for the development of football in Miri, Martin has witnessed firsthand the immense talent among young athletes.
However, their growth has been stifled by a glaring issue: the lack of a dedicated turf football field. This, he says, is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a significant barrier to progress.
“Football in Miri has great potential,” said Martin. “But the absence of a quality turf football field is holding back the development of players and teams. A proper facility would not only provide a safe, all-weather surface for training and matches year-round, but it would also ensure our players have a professional environment to hone their skills without the fear of injuries due to substandard playing surfaces.”
Over the years, football matches and training sessions in Miri have been plagued by inconsistent conditions, with many fields suffering from poor maintenance. A professional turf field, Martin argues, is not a luxury but a necessity for ensuring consistent training and competitive opportunities.
He emphasises that such a facility would greatly reduce player injuries and wear and tear, allowing for the full potential of Miri’s footballers to shine through.
Currently, the lack of infrastructure limits the growth of youth teams and football clubs, preventing them from competing at the level they deserve. “There’s no shortage of talent here,” Martin continued, “but without proper facilities, we’re not giving our players the foundation they need to succeed. Miri deserves better.”
Miri achieved city status in 2005, and nearly two decades later, it’s time for the city to live up to its potential in the realm of sports. Martin believes that a world-class football facility would not only boost local football development but could also position Miri as a centre for football excellence, attracting talent and attention from across Sarawak and the wider region.
“The city has come a long way, but this is one area where we’ve fallen behind. Investing in a quality football field isn’t just about sports—it’s about investing in our youth, our community, and the future of football in Miri,” Martin urged. “I call on local authorities and all stakeholders to prioritise this. Let’s unite to make this happen for the next generation of football stars.”
The call for action is now in the hands of the relevant authorities. Whether Miri will rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the demand for a professional football facility has never been stronger and the future of Miri’s football talent may well depend on it.
