As Malaysia celebrates Merdeka Day, KDH Football Academy proudly reflects on its role in fostering the spirit of independence through football. With a mission to empower local talent in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and beyond, KDH has become a beacon of excellence in youth football development. Over the past two years (2023–2024), our academy has clinched multiple championships, nurtured homegrown talent, and provided international exposure through our partnership with Selangor FC and our strategically located branches in Mont Kiara, Ampang, Bandar Utama, and Bukit Bintang. Join us in celebrating Malaysia’s independence by empowering the next generation of football stars at KDH Football Academy!
Merdeka Day: A Celebration of Freedom and Football
Merdeka Day, commemorating Malaysia’s independence on August 31, 1957, is a time to honor the nation’s achievements and aspirations. At KDH Football Academy, we embody this spirit by fostering the independence of young athletes—empowering them to pursue their dreams with discipline, resilience, and pride. Our commitment to developing local talent aligns with the legacy of the Merdeka Tournament, Asia’s oldest invitational football tournament, which has inspired generations of Malaysian footballers since its inception at Stadium Merdeka.
KDH’s Trophy Cabinet: Highlights from 2023–2024
Over the past two years, KDH Football Academy has solidified its reputation as Malaysia’s premier youth football academy with an impressive haul of cups and awards, showcasing our dedication to excellence. Here are some of our standout achievements:
- 2024 Achievements:
- 1st Place, U8, U10, U11, U12, U16 Liga Suparimau 2024 – KL Division 1: KDH dominated the prestigious Liga Suparimau, proving our ability to develop top-tier talent across multiple age groups.
- 1st Place, U10 Selangor International Youth Cup 2024: Our U10 team shone on a regional stage, showcasing Malaysia’s young talent.
- 1st Place, U14 Petronas League & Cup Championship 2024 – Kuching: A testament to our reach beyond KL, with our Kuching branch excelling in this competitive tournament.
- Several Championships, U8–U14 Johor Cup 2024: KDH teams secured multiple titles, reinforcing our dominance in youth football.
- 1st Runner-Up, U11, U14, G15 Liga Suparimau 2024 – KL Division 1: Strong performances across age groups and genders.
- 2nd Runner-Up, U11, U12, U13 Liga Suparimau 2024 – KL Division 1: Consistent podium finishes highlight our depth of talent.
- 2023 Achievements:
- 1st Place, U11, U12, U16 Liga Suparimau 2023 – KL Division 1: KDH continued its winning streak in KL’s top youth league.
- 1st Place, U16 Borneo Cup 2023: A major win showcasing our ability to compete across Malaysia.
- 1st Place, U12 IRC Cup 2023 – Seremban: Our U12 team excelled in this regional tournament.
- 1st Place, U19 Milo League 2023: KDH’s older players proved their readiness for higher-level competition.
- 1st Place, U8 Thailand International Youth Cup 2023: Our youngest players gained international recognition.
- 1st Runner-Up, U17 Milo League 2023 and 2nd Runner-Up, U18 Milo League 2023: Strong performances in competitive leagues.
- 2nd Runner-Up, U14 JSSL Cup 2023 – Singapore: International exposure for our U14 team.
These achievements reflect KDH’s commitment to fostering local talent and preparing players for national and international success, embodying the Merdeka spirit of striving for greatness.KDH’s Contribution to Malaysian Football and Local Talent
KDH Football Academy is more than a training ground—it’s a launchpad for Malaysia’s future football stars. Founded in 2018 by Kim Do Heon, KDH has nurtured over 400 players and represents more than 30 professional players across Asia, including talents from Malaysia, Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Our contributions to Malaysian football include:
- Grassroots Development: Through our partnership with Selangor FC, an official affiliate, KDH provides a clear pathway to professional football, with players transitioning to professional clubs in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
- Producing National Talent: KDH alumni have represented Malaysia at various levels, including the senior national team, showcasing our role in building the nation’s football legacy.
- Holistic Approach: We emphasize the 4 GRIT components—Growth, Resilience, Instinct, and Tenacity—to develop well-rounded players who excel on and off the pitch. Our programs balance football with academics, ensuring players maintain strong educational performance.
- Community Impact: KDH fosters camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship, creating a supportive environment for young athletes in KL, PJ, and beyond.
Multiple Branches Building Local Talent with Global Exposure
KDH Football Academy operates multiple branches to make high-quality training accessible to families across Malaysia, each contributing to the development of local talent with opportunities for international experience:
- Mont Kiara (KDH Mont Kiara FC): A flagship branch offering world-class facilities and UEFA-certified coaches.
- Ampang (KDH Ampang FC): Serving eastern KL with top-notch training programs.
- Bandar Utama (KDH Bandar Utama FC): Launched in 2024 at the British International School KL, led by Coach Zenia, this branch caters to Damansara and Selangor communities.
- Bukit Bintang (KDH BBCC FC): Located at Bukit Bintang City Centre, ideal for central KL families.
- Kuching (KDH Kuching FC): Expanding our reach to Sarawak, with successes like the U14 Petronas League & Cup 2024.
- Bukit Jelutong (KDH BKJLT FC): A new addition in Shah Alam, enhancing access for Selangor families.
These branches provide state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching, ensuring local talents from KL, PJ, and Sarawak have access to professional training. KDH’s players gain international exposure through tournaments like the Siam Cup 2023 in Bangkok (U13–U16) and the JSSL Cup 2023 in Singapore, preparing them to compete on global stages like the Iber Cup.
Join KDH Football Academy This Merdeka Day
This Merdeka Day, celebrate Malaysia’s independence by investing in your child’s future with KDH Football Academy. Our proven track record, partnership with Selangor FC, and commitment to local talent make us the top choice for parents and teens in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Whether your child dreams of representing Malaysia or simply wants to enjoy football, KDH’s programs—tailored for ages U6 to U18—offer the perfect platform to shine.
