Latest news with #KDHAcademy
The Star
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Young 'uns get unforgettable experience with Devils legend Giggs
Valuable pointers: Ryan Giggs coaching a young player during a special football clinic. PETALING JAYA: It was a morning to remember for a group of young footballers at Do Arena, Lalaport, as Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs took to the pitch to share not just his skills, but his stories, values and wisdom. The iconic Welshman spent time with budding talents from the KDH Academy, leading a special football clinic for boys and girls aged 10 to 12 at Lalaport in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. For the aspiring players, it was more than just a training session – it was a rare chance to learn from one of the greatest wingers the game has ever seen. Amid drills, laughter, and high-fives, Giggs was in his element – encouraging, advising, and inspiring the next generation, both on and off the pitch. 'Manchester United have always had a history of young players rising through the ranks,' said Giggs. 'But you also need experienced senior players to guide them. At 17 or 18, the one thing young players often lack is consistency.' Giggs, who rose to fame as a teenage prodigy under Sir Alex Ferguson, spoke candidly about the challenges young talents face today, especially in highly competitive environments. 'Sometimes you're in and out of the team. Winning builds confidence, but the Premier League demands top-level performance every week, every minute. If you drop off, you get punished. That's the reality.' He also praised the development of young players in European competitions, noting their maturity and ability to rise to big occasions especially Barcelona's 17-year-old phenom Lamine Yamal. 'In Europe this season, they've been brilliant – showing maturity and consistency. The next step is to bring that same level to the domestic league, which is the harder part. It's about raising the quality every single day in training. 'That's what we had during my time – every session was tough, so matches became easier.' The clinic was held in conjunction with the upcoming Maybank Challenge Cup 2025, and served as a fitting tribute to grassroots football – reminding everyone that the journey of a champion often begins with moments like these. For the kids at Do Arena, a morning with Ryan Giggs wasn't just about football. It was a lesson in work ethic, resilience, and what it truly takes to reach the top.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Man Utd icon Giggs trains young Malaysian footballers
KUALA LUMPUR: The budding Malaysian footballers have never experienced anything like this before — a rare gig by Ryan Giggs. The Manchester United legend held an inspiring and exciting coaching clinic for them at Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre today. The special clinic, held in collaboration with the Kim Do Heon (KDH) Academy, saw Giggs doing drills and quick shooting sessions with more than 30 kids. Former national Under-23 head coach E. Elavarasan was also present as part of the KDH Academy. He described the event as a significant step in exposing Malaysian talent to global football culture. "I think it was very good for us because at least we have an opportunity to get one international star to come and train our boys," said Elavarasan. KDH CEO Jay Kim, who is a South Korean, said he is hopeful that the experience will leave a lasting impression on the young Malaysian footballers. "Of course, we are huge Manchester United fans. We remember Park Ji Sung, who used to play for our national team and later joined United, so to have Giggs here is a dream. "Giggs is still considered one of the most gifted players, and to have him training our students is something special," said Jay. The KDH Academy, which has around 1,600 to 1,700 students across Malaysia, is looking to expand to 10 locations by next year. Currently they are located in Mont Kiara, Ampang, Kuching, Bukit Bintang City Centre, Bukit Jelutong and Bandar Utama. The KDH academy trains children from various age groups, and is increasingly recognised for producing talent for Malaysian clubs.
