July 3rd, 2026 | Broadcast
Bandung has a new platform for early-age football development. Neo Gen Football Academy has officially begun by holding selections for the 10-year-old age group, as part of building an academy that puts character development, education and sustained technical improvement first.
BANDUNG, 3 July 2026 – Academy founder Rizky Bagja said the academy was born in response to the need for more structured youth football development. In his view, success at early ages is measured not only by the number of titles but by the development of players’ ability and character.
We want to bring a change in development. Our focus is player progress. Winning is a bonus from a process done properly.
Rizky Bagja
As a first step, Neo Gen held a selection attended by about 70 participants in its first stage at PPI Field on Friday (3/7/2026). Enthusiasm was high, with about 230 players registered in total. The next selection is scheduled for this weekend.
From all the participants, Neo Gen will choose about 15 to 20 of the best 10-year-olds to represent the academy at Singa Cup in Singapore, one of the prestigious youth tournaments in Southeast Asia. The 15-year-old group is being prepared for a tournament in Bali scheduled for September.
Rizky explained that Neo Gen is not opening all age groups at once. The academy chose to build its foundation first by starting with the 10 and 15 age groups, before growing to cover ages 6 to 15, so that human resources, curriculum and facilities are fully ready to give players the best development.
Neo Gen also carries a curriculum different from typical football development. Besides technical training on the pitch, students will get support from a sports psychologist, nutrition consultations with a doctor, English classes, a parenting programme for parents, continuous training, friendlies and the chance to enter various tournaments.
We want to form players holistically, not only their football ability but also their character, mentality and readiness for future challenges.
Rizky Bagja
Opportunities are also offered through a scholarship programme for outstanding students. Neo Gen applies a promotion-and-relegation system so every player has an equal chance to get the best facilities according to their progress.
Beyond domestic competition, Neo Gen has built partnerships with clubs in Japan, Portugal and the Netherlands, opening the way for young players to join training programmes and trials abroad.
We want to be a bridge for children who dream of playing at international level. They must have the mindset that career opportunities are not only in local competitions but also abroad.
Rizky Bagja
Neo Gen involves several names already known in national football. Former Persib Bandung striker Sergio van Dijk is one of the founders together with Rizky. The academy also has the support of Dedi Kusnandar, several diaspora players, and a former national-team coach who will serve as technical adviser. Regi Aditya, whose experience includes Persibo Bojonegoro, PSBS Biak and assistant to Rahmad Darmawan at Persipura, is Academy Director. The coaching team is joined by Ronal, Dadan, Sigit Hermawan, Damar as goalkeeping coach, and Fahri.
Neo Gen plans to make the Sabuga ITB area its homebase. Looking ahead, it targets not only Singa Cup but other international tournaments such as the Gothia Cup.
Source: Radar Bandung (translated from Indonesian)
