A local, homegrown football club, called Gelugor Football Club (GFC) had one objective in mind when it was first established in 2003: to provide a platform for players who missed out on bigger opportunities to play football and to be an agent of unity among them.
Its president Haydriaan Dass, 38, told Buletin Mutiara today that the club remains steadfast in its mission and will continue to ensure players with fewer opportunities are given a shot at the game they love the most.
“When we first formed GFC, it was just a group of friends playing football with the idea of setting up this club.
“Initially, we had about 20-30 members, and only two or three lucky ones would be selected to play at high-level tournaments and leagues, representing other clubs.
“While the two or three would move to a higher plane, then what about the rest?
“That was why we started this club to continuously provide a platform for those who did not get selected so that they would not give up playing football.
“Twenty years ago before social media was even a favourite tool among many, youths were more susceptible to unwanted activities that could potentially shape their lifestyle negatively.
“That was also why we wanted to bring the boys together and keep them busy in the club, preventing them from veering into the wrong path,” Haydriaan said during the interview at the Zurich Insurance and Takaful Penang branch at Setia SPICE Canopy in Bayan Lepas.
Haydriaan, an insurance agent for the past 14 years, said football provides a positive outlet for these youngsters.
Since its inception, GFC has participated in more than 20 field and futsal tournaments in the past.
The club hosts an annual football carnival and its very own tournament yearly, called the GFC Cup, with usually overwhelming response from participants.
Although legally registered, GFC does not join division leagues but focuses on social leagues instead. This choice fondly reflects the club’s commitment to nurturing young talents.
GFC’s role does not end on the field, but it is a difference maker off the field too.
Haydriaan said many have questioned if GFC was a charity club more than a football club because of its active involvement in community-based activities.
“Apart from grooming players, we are also committed to making a difference in the lives of needy families.
“Some of the ways we give back to the community is by contributing education aid to eligible students from B40 families and providing groceries.
“We don’t do this monthly, but we identify real and eligible cases. The funds collected are from the committee members and not through any sponsorship programme.
“Be it football or community work, we believe in making a difference in the lives of the smaller communities, and we hope to continue with this cause for many years to come,” he added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Mersyad Omar