“Outdoor activities, muscle training, solidarity, teamwork, that’s what I expect when I let my son play football. Winning isn’t everything. Those values matter much more,” said Nico, father of Ahmed.
But as it turns out, in the middle of playing and learning, Ahmed achieved something remarkable. On Sunday, September 21, one of Empathy School’s young students proudly took home the trophy from the Junior Premier League U10 & U12 Road to National.
Playing for GFA Celuk, Ahmed and his teammates battled through 16 other teams in the Bali Zone. The tournament, held at Makorem 163 Wirastya, Bali, became the stage where Ahmed’s skills shined.
The journey wasn’t easy. His team powered through the group stages, then faced Bali United Academy in the semifinals, a nail-biting match that ended with a penalty shootout victory. In the finals against Mandala United, they sealed the win with a convincing 3–0 scoreline. Ahmed stood out as the top scorer of the tournament, netting 7 goals.
“Of course, I’m proud,” Nico admitted. “But more than that, I’m relieved to see Ahmed gaining confidence in himself. He knows he can rely on his own abilities. That’s an essential life skill.”
At just 9 years old and currently in Grade 4 at Empathy School, Ahmed’s journey in football is just beginning. His next step will take him to the national stage, where winners from across Indonesia will compete in Central Java on October 3–5, 2025.
Ahmed’s story proves that football is never just about winning, it’s about character, perseverance, and the courage to believe in yourself.
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