Persib Bandung Holds Academy Festival, Seeking Young Talent from Various Regions

Tangerang- Persib Bandung held the Persib Academy Festival 2025 at Sidolig Stadium in Bandung on Saturday–Sunday (January 18–19) as an effort to discover and nurture young Indonesian football talent. The event was attended by hundreds of participants aged 12 to 17 who came from various cities in West Java, and some even came from outside the island. Beside showcasing technical abilities, the participants were also tested on aspects of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, which are important parts of the Persib academy's training curriculum.

Since morning, the atmosphere of the field has been filled with the enthusiasm of the participants who came with their parents. Many of them aspire to follow in the footsteps of Persib's professional players who are currently competing in Liga 1. The academy coaches carefully observed every mini-match held, noting the names of players deemed to have the potential for further development. The selection process is conducted in several stages to ensure a more objective and comprehensive evaluation.

According to the Director of the Persib Academy, programs like this are important to ensure the smooth regeneration of players. Indonesia has so much young talent, but without proper guidance, their abilities may not develop to their full potential. Thru this festival, the club aims to provide the greatest possible opportunity for children who may not have had access to professional training until now. "We want to build not just players, but also strong characters," he said.

This festival isn't just about selection; it also includes educational sessions for parents on the importance of healthy support for children who pursue sports. A sports psychologist and nutrition team were present to provide insights into the balance between training, education, and health. This is done because the club realizes that the journey toward a professional career requires a supportive environment from various aspects.

For the participants, the experience of attending this festival became a cherished memory. Beside experiencing the atmosphere of a big club's training, they also learn about teamwork, self-confidence, and perseverance. Although not everyone will pass the selection, many parents feel proud to see their children perform bravely on the field. This festival shows that football is not just about the final score, but also about the process of shaping the character of young generations.