Coach Tony

Premier Skill Certified Community Soccer Coach with AFC D Licence (Asian Football Confederation)

SPORTS COACH, YOUTH MENTOR, SOCIAL IMPACT LEADER

Football is more than a game—it is a language that transcends borders, a bridge that connects hearts, and a tool that transforms lives. My coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to dream, to grow, and to discover their potential.

Through sport, I’ve witnessed the extraordinary resilience of refugee children who arrive with trauma but leave with hope. My approach combines technical skill development with life education, using the football pitch as a classroom where children learn not just how to play, but how to live with dignity, respect, and purpose.

I believe in coaching the whole child—nurturing their physical abilities while strengthening their mental resilience, building their confidence while teaching them empathy, and developing their athletic skills while instilling values that will serve them long after they leave the field.

Every training session is an opportunity to create a safe space where children feel valued, heard, and empowered. In an environment where many face uncertainty, I strive to provide consistency, structure, and unconditional support. This is not just about creating better footballers—it’s about developing compassionate leaders, confident individuals, and resilient human beings who will positively impact their communities.

My mission is simple yet profound: to use the beautiful game as a vehicle for social change, one child, one team, one community at a time

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PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

A dedicated sports coach and youth mentor specializing in using football and physical education as a vehicle for social inclusion, psychological resilience, and holistic child development for refugee and displaced youth populations. Premier Skill Certified Community Soccer Coach with AFC D Licence (Asian Football Confederation), Barca Foundation Certified coach, and Coaches Across Continent (CAC) Certified Coach.

Founder of the Refugee Soccer Academy Malaysia with over 10 years of experience in community-based protection and youth empowerment programs.

Aspiration: To become a FIFA certified Football Agent, creating formidable roadmaps for less-privileged yet talented and passionate soccer kids to aspire and soar to their highest ability—like “regular” kids globally.

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MISSION STATEMENT

Committed to providing refugee children with opportunities to pursue their passion for soccer despite challenging circumstances, using sports as a vehicle for buildingconfidence, leadership, and creating pathways to better futures.

Premier Skill Certified Community Soccer Coach

AFC D Licence (Asian Football Confederation)

Barca Foundation Certified Coach Licence

Coaches Across Continent (CAC) Certified Coach Licence

Malaysia Soccer DNA Road Map Coaching Certificate

UNHCR Acknowledgement Certificates

Multiple Soccer Coaching Clinics (Various Professional Development Programs)

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FOOTBALL FOR LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Overview: Developed and implemented an innovative curriculum that integrates essential life skills education with football training. This holistic approach uses sports-based activities to teach critical topics.

• Good Health & Fun 

• Child Rights & Dignity

• Gender Equity 

• Anti-Bullying

• Safe Space Principles 

• Child Abuse Prevention

• Human Trafficking Awareness

Through soccer-based fun training methodologies, complex social issues are made accessible to young minds. Each session combines physical activity with interactive discussions, role-playing exercises, and team-building activities that reinforce positive values and protective behaviors. This program ensures that every child who steps onto the pitch leaves not only as a better player but as a more informed, confident, and empowered individual.

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Key Impacts & Achievements

  • Founded the Refugee Soccer Academy Malaysia in 2015 under MSRI.
  • Successfully integrated 50% of program participants into school soccer teams in their resettlement
  • countries.
  • Mentored 15 students selected into American MLS youth league academies.
  • Primary practitioner in ANTA x UNHCR “Moving for Change” initiative.
  • Led teams to multiple tournament victories including 2nd Place (U17) and 3rd Place (U14) in Season
  • 2024/25 National Youth Competition.

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NOTABLE RECOGNITION & ALUMNI SUCCESS

  • Alumni Achievement: Kash O’Mahony became a UEFA licensed coach in the UK.
  • Academic Success: Alumni Brendan Tan became a student-athlete at Oberlin College, Ohio.
  • Championships: Multiple championship trophies across many age categories in Malaysian youth football.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Founder & Head Coach 2015 – Present

Refugee Soccer Academy Malaysia

  • Established specialized academy for talented refugee children.
  • Created safe, inclusive environment for skill development and life lessons.
  • Built foundation of training, discipline, and personal growth.
  • Directed participation in Malaysian National Youth tournaments.
  • Achieved 2nd Place (U17) and 3rd Place (U14) in Season 2024/25.
  • Sports Coach & Youth Mentor 2015 – Present
  • MSRI Learning Centre
  • Design structured football curricula for diverse age groups and skill levels.
  • Apply trauma-informed mentorship approaches in high-stress environments.
  • Facilitate multi-cultural communication.
  • Implement Football for Life Education curriculum.

PRIVATE COACHING:  ONGOING

High-performance athletic development training.

Technical football skills and tactical understanding.

Personalized training regimens for competitive play.

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