RANAU: Sabah Kids FC (SKFC) continued to stamp their authority on Sabah’s grassroots football scene after being crowned champions of the ELTY Grassroot Challenge Cup 2026 – Ranau Edition, extending their impressive unbeaten run to eight consecutive domestic tournament titles.
The triumph, achieved at the Kampung Lohan Football Field recently, further strengthened SKFC’s reputation as one of the State’s most successful youth football clubs.
Their latest success reflects not only the players’ talent and determination but also the club’s long-term commitment to developing young footballers through structured coaching, discipline and teamwork.
Throughout the tournament, SKFC displayed consistency, composure and attacking flair against strong opposition from across Sabah, proving once again why they have become one of the benchmark teams in grassroots football.
The victory was made even more memorable when two of the club’s players received individual honours for their outstanding performances.
Eddy was named the tournament’s Best Player, recognising his influence and consistency throughout the competition, while Rezza was awarded the Best Goalkeeper, having produced a series of impressive saves that played a crucial role in the team’s championship-winning campaign.
The achievements highlighted the depth of talent within the SKFC squad and reflected the quality of coaching and player development that the club has consistently invested in over the years.
Following the victory, the club’s management expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has supported the team throughout its journey.
“We are deeply grateful to all our supporters for their continuous encouragement and prayers. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the parents, whose sacrifices and unwavering commitment have enabled these young players to pursue their passion, as well as to our coaching staff whose dedication behind the scenes has been invaluable,” the management said.
The ELTY Grassroot Challenge Cup 2026 – Ranau Edition was officially opened by Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun, underscoring the growing importance of grassroots football as a platform for nurturing future football stars while promoting positive values among young people.
The tournament attracted 30 teams from districts throughout Sabah, creating a highly competitive environment where young footballers had the opportunity to test their abilities against quality opponents from different parts of the state.
Among the participating teams was Anapols FT, comprising children of officers and personnel from the Ranau District Police Headquarters (IPD Ranau).
The team was recognised with the Best Team Management Award in the Under-10 category, reflecting the professionalism, organisation and commitment demonstrated by its coaches and management throughout the tournament.
Beyond the competition itself, the championship served as an important platform for identifying emerging football talent while providing young players with valuable competitive experience that cannot be replicated through training alone.
Organisers said tournaments such as the ELTY Grassroot Challenge Cup are essential in building the next generation of footballers by exposing children to structured competition, improving their technical abilities and tactical awareness, and helping them develop confidence under match conditions.
At the same time, the event played a significant role in instilling important life values such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance, respect and sportsmanship—qualities that extend far beyond the football pitch and contribute to the holistic development of young athletes.
The championship also reinforced the importance of sports in encouraging children to adopt healthy and active lifestyles while strengthening friendships among participants from different districts across Sabah.
