Three former Persib Bandung players, Rizky Bagja, Sergio van Dijk and Raphael Maitimo, have officially launched Neo Gen Football Academy in Bandung. Its U-10 squad will play at SingaCup in Singapore at the end of October 2026.

BANDUNG, FOKUSJabar.id – Three former Persib Bandung players, Rizky Bagja, Sergio van Dijk and Raphael Maitimo, officially launched Neo Gen Football Academy at Tarantula Soccer Field in Bandung on Saturday (10/10/2026).

Sergio van Dijk explained that the academy he leads does not simply hold routine training sessions. It aims to polish young players so that they gain match experience up to the international level.

Today is the opening of our football academy, Neo Gen Football Academy. And we want to help the children of West Java and Bandung build a pathway to professional football.

Sergio van Dijk

Neo Gen U-10 Heading to SingaCup

Neo Gen Football Academy currently coaches the U-10 age group and has already planned a series of international competitions.

The U-10 squad will take part in SingaCup in Singapore at the end of October 2026, while the U-14 team is ready to play at the ASEAN Youth Cup this coming November.

Sergio stressed that testing themselves against teams from abroad is a crucial asset, so that young Indonesian talent is ready for the competition of professional football.

Maitimo and Rizky Bagja Stress the Importance of the Curriculum

Raphael Maitimo welcomed the enthusiasm of the children who packed the training ground. He believes Indonesia has an abundance of local football potential, which needs sustained development.

I am very proud that this is the first time Indonesia could become champions (of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026). But if we look at the development of Indonesian football, I also hope that those who run Indonesian football invest in youth development. That is very important.

Raphael Maitimo

That is why I strongly support Neo Gen Football Academy, because we want to help and also give more opportunities to all young players.

Raphael Maitimo

Another founder of the academy, Rizky Bagja, explained that his team has already started testing itself in tournaments and has reached a semi-final. Even so, he places applying the curriculum above the final result of a match.

Yes, of course there is pride for me. Because what we are really working on is not a result, but how these children can apply the curriculum.

Rizky Bagja

Support from West Java Leaders and a Senior Coach

The academy is further strengthened by the involvement of senior coach Rahmad Darmawan, who serves as Technical Advisor. Rizky hopes that a partnership with the regional government can strengthen the youth development ecosystem in Bandung and West Java.

The launch was attended by the Deputy Governor of West Java, Erwan Setiawan, and by the Chairman of the West Java Provincial Legislative Council, Buky Wibawa Karya Guna.

A number of Persib Bandung legends from different generations also livened up the event with an exhibition match against the Neo Gen Football Academy coaching team.

Reporting: Arif. Editor: Irfansyah Riza.

Source: FOKUSJabar.id (translated from Indonesian)

Article Link: https://fokusjabar.id/2026/10/10/neo-gen-football-academy-resmi-dibuka-di-bandung-pemain-u-10-siap-tampil-di-singacup/