PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan is promoting the development of young footballers through the Neo Gen Football Academy (FA). The academy is expected to foster young West Java talent capable of rising from Persib Bandung to the Indonesian National Team.

Erwan conveyed this support after opening the launch of the Neo Gen Football Academy at Tarantula Soccer Field, Jalan Salak, Bandung City, Saturday (10/10/2026).

"I'm confident that Neo Gen FA will produce great players who will strengthen our proud team, Persib Bandung, and even the national team," Erwan said.

He believes the experience of the founders and coaches is crucial in establishing the academy. Among those involved are former Persib Bandung players Sergio van Dijk and Raphael Maitimo, as well as coaches Rahmad Darmawan and Rizki Bagja.

Erwan hopes that Neo Gen FA can maintain consistent coaching so that young player development does not stop at the launch momentum alone.

"I hope Neo Gen FA can continue to develop, not just for a short time or for now, but continuously so that the regeneration of football players in West Java is maintained," he said.

Meanwhile, West Java DPRD Chairman Buky Wibawa assessed that the presence of Neo Gen FA is an opportunity to enrich the model of football education and training, especially in Bandung City and West Java.

He challenged academy managers to introduce a coaching approach that has added value compared to the existing youth football coaching pattern.

Buky emphasized the importance of looking further into the differences between football academies and football schools (SSB), especially in the methods of education, training, and development of young players' potential.

"We want to see how football is developed in the education and training sectors. We want to see if there's anything new we can see from this Neo Gen FA. Hopefully, we can see that," he said.

Buky also expressed his concern for the data collection and development of potential young footballers. He stated that this would be one of his focuses if he officially became the Chairman of the West Java Football Association (PSSI).

"Because PSSI will focus on development, I see that I will be collecting data on the potential of young people in particular. That will be my focus when I officially become the Chairman of PSSI West Java. Please pray for me," he said.

On the other hand, one of the founders of Neo Gen FA, Sergio van Dijk, conveyed a message to children in Bandung and West Java to not stop pursuing their dreams, including the dream of becoming a professional footballer.

"If you want to be a professional football player or whatever your dream is, keep dreaming and keep trying with passion," said the former Persib player in his speech.

Neo Gen Football Academy's vision is to "Build the Next Generation of Footballers." The academy focuses on developing football skills, character, discipline, and mentality, as well as developing a generation of young footballers who are accomplished and have positive impact on society.

As a first step in developing international competitive experience, the Neo Gen FA U-10 team is scheduled to depart for Singapore on October 31, 2026, to participate in a football match.

This participation is expected to be an opportunity for young players to gain experience and bring the name of Indonesia, especially West Java, to the international arena.

Local government support, the involvement of experienced football figures, and ongoing coaching are expected to strengthen the foundation for player regeneration in West Java. The next challenge is ensuring that this coaching is consistent and paves the way for young talent to advance to higher levels of competition.

After the opening ceremony, the event continued with a fun football match that pitted Persib Legend against the founders and administrators of Neo Gen Football Academy.