Football Association of Selangor (FAS) Women’s Super League (WSL) Draw & Launch

The last Saturday and today are just like any other Saturday, a day to relax after the hectic weekday of balancing work and personal responsibilities. Some opted for being with the family for the weekend and some spent time with their favourite sport - football.

Last Saturday, 13th Nov 2021 , was something different - off the pitch. I was invited by FAS to their focus group discussion. It is an amazing initiative in leading the running of Women’s Super League. The focus group’s discussion centred on the four pledges made by FAS for WSL. The session which took place at FAS was facilitated by Idlan Zakaria from United Kingdom. Yes, the digital world can do wonders.

These are the four pledges :

Equal access to football for women
Safe environment for women’s football
Enhancing messaging and promotion
Realising women’s potential in football

All 21 of us were divided into 4 different groups to work on the 4 different areas before we presented our case and assessed the practicality of our ideas. It was overwhelming to observe how committed FA, NGO, padang operator, clubs, parents, players, coaches, managers and members of the community were in sharing their experience and knowledge for one single mission, to offer a platform for women’s football.

Today, the 20th November 2021, is again off the pitch! The first ever Launch and Draw for Women’s Super League took place. Although as we entered the ballroom we could still see doubtful and concerned faces, the vibes immediately became positive after listening to the clear explanation in the welcome speech by Izrin Nabil, the Secretary General of FAS. This event is certainly new to many and needs time to be digested. Many of the guests were excited about the launch and the forum was insightful. However, it was the draw hosted by Aiman Roshizam that was the real icing on the cake.

The FAS team certainly knew how to end the event on a high note, and ensured the guests were convinced that they (FAS) are serious about creating a platform for women’s football. Besides an impactful positive pledge video, there was also a women’s award presentation ceremony. When Saufi Badry, the FAS Assistant Secretary-General approached me for partnership with Women in Football Malaysia (WIF), I did not think twice before agreeing. Count us in for whatever that can help raise awareness for women! Congratulations to the winners, may this be an inspiration for other women. May it be the badly needed impetus to promote the best of women football in the community.

Before parting, we were served a delicious high tea by FAS’s partner, Sunway Convention Centre. Thank you to all who worked hard to ensure there is a platform for women’s football and the eco system. You might lose sleep and friends for your busy time, but you are doing such a great job for the community. Once again, thank you.

Written by Mutiara of Women In Football Malaysia