For children who want to enter or register as students at the Aji Santoso International Football Academy (ASIFA), they can immediately register at the local academy, which is located at the Mojolangu field, Griyashanta Complex, Block J, Mojolangu Village, Lowokwaru District.
Regarding this, because the registration that was opened since November 15, will still end on December 20. "We don't know yet how many students have registered, because I have often been in Jakarta. We invite anyone/children from anywhere who want to register," said Aji Santoso, Saturday (30/11).
He added that later all students who register will be strictly selected by the coaching team and several former Arema players, such as I Putu Gede, Rudi Hariantoko, Amin Zakaria, and Sugeng Widodo. "While in the coaching team, besides me there are coach Satriya Bahja, and coach Indra Safri. However, the full decision, whether the student is accepted or not, remains with me," he explained.
Aji added that on January 4, the first selection for students will be held, and in March or April, the following selections will follow. "In addition to being tested physically, for skills and talents in football, ASIFA students will also undergo a health test. For prospective students who pass the tests, but do not pass the health test, they will be disqualified," he explained.
In ASIFA, Aji continued, they will not play around, because it is expected that this academy will contribute to the national football team of this country. What is also important is that for students who have above average skills, according to the assessment of the coaching team, they will receive scholarships. "In this football school we want to recruit and train prospective/potential football players who have talent but have not been honed," he said.
Meanwhile, the U-19 national team coach, Indra Safri, who is also one of ASIFA's technical advisors, admitted to being surprised by the existence of this football academy. According to him, in addition to the good field, several supporting facilities are also extraordinary. "With these excellent facilities, it should also be supported by an adequate curriculum, so that there will be extraordinary output too," he appealed.
"I am proud of Aji Santoso, because he has realized the dream of football coaches to have an academy that meets standards. This football school will be an example for others, and will also eliminate football training that is often held by Kemenpora (Ministry of Youth and Sports, ed). With the existence and number of academies like this, it will also prevent/reduce the number of children who will study football abroad," said Indra. (say/dmb)
