Published 10 November 2023 3 min read
Men's U18
A taste of local life for the Young Lions
Young Lions share spirit of football with Garuda Lions in Indonesia ahead of FIFA U17 World Cup
MEET THE WORLD CUP SQUAD
As England prepare to kick-off the FIFA U17 World Cup in Indonesia this weekend, the Young Lions squad visited a local football club in Jakarta.
The Garuda Lions hosted Ryan Garry and his players where they saw first-hand how the club is providing opportunities for under privileged children in the area by developing their football skills, and creating a pathway for progression within the game.
The Young Lions were shown the true spirit of football during their visit and were met on arrival with a traditional Indonesian musical performance from local children, including the national anthem of Indonesia, before taking to the pitch to take part in skills and games with the Garuda Lions players.
The Garuda Lions hosted Ryan Garry and his players where they saw first-hand how the club is providing opportunities for under privileged children in the area by developing their football skills, and creating a pathway for progression within the game.
The Young Lions were shown the true spirit of football during their visit and were met on arrival with a traditional Indonesian musical performance from local children, including the national anthem of Indonesia, before taking to the pitch to take part in skills and games with the Garuda Lions players.
England will kick-off their World Cup group stage against New Caledonia on Saturday (9am GMT) and made the visit for a special end to a week of pre-tournament preparations.
“It has been a great day and a brilliant opportunity to engage with the local community in Jakarta,” said Garry, after the trip.
“The welcome we received from Garuda Lions has been really enjoyable, and the team has certainly taken a lot away from this visit, in terms of learning about local customs and cultures.
“The message that the spirit of football can unite people is clear to see today. It has been a special visit and one I’ll remember for a long time.”
And Frank Amadio, founder of the Garuda Lions Football Club, added: “In one year of existence, we’ve gone from not having any team or players, to establishing a group of up to 100 players, so it has been unbelievable having the England team visit us in Indonesia.
“It has been an absolute privilege to host the players and I know this will inspire and motivate the kids we have at this club and help Garuda Lions continue to grow.”
“It has been a great day and a brilliant opportunity to engage with the local community in Jakarta,” said Garry, after the trip.
“The welcome we received from Garuda Lions has been really enjoyable, and the team has certainly taken a lot away from this visit, in terms of learning about local customs and cultures.
“The message that the spirit of football can unite people is clear to see today. It has been a special visit and one I’ll remember for a long time.”
And Frank Amadio, founder of the Garuda Lions Football Club, added: “In one year of existence, we’ve gone from not having any team or players, to establishing a group of up to 100 players, so it has been unbelievable having the England team visit us in Indonesia.
“It has been an absolute privilege to host the players and I know this will inspire and motivate the kids we have at this club and help Garuda Lions continue to grow.”