THE Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) has announced that it will soon begin the recruitment for new trainees at its academies in Yangon and Mandalay, aiming to uplift the standard of Myanmar football.

Selections will be held across 10 locations in various States and Regions, including Myanmar’s first women’s football academy in Mandalay. Current players at the Yangon and Mandalay academies who do not show significant progress based on annual reviews will be released, and they will be replaced.

The recruitment will cover specific age groups: boys born 2014 (U12), boys born 2013 (U13), boys born 2012 (U14), girls born 2013/2014 (U13), and girls born 2011/2012 (U15). The preliminary selection will be divided into Lower Myanmar and Upper Myanmar zones – Hpa-an and Nay Pyi Taw: 31 March-1 April; Mawlamyine and Mandalay: 3-4 April; Bago and Taunggyi: 6-7 April; Kalaw: 8-9 April; Pathein: 9-10 April; Nyaungdon: 11 April; Yangon: 11-12 April. Shortlisted candidates will undergo final trials – Mandalay: 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 May; Yangon: 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 May. The final result will be announced on 25 May. Interested youths can download the application form at the Academy Form Link. Required documents include copies of the birth certificate, household registration, Citizenship Scrutiny Card, and a recommendation letter from the school. In-person submission deadlines are 5 April for Yangon, and 2 April for Mandalay and other cities. — MT/ZN