Boys’ Club
Futsal Program brings change in the midst of teen crisis
Living in a neighbourhood marked by gang fights
Jakarta » Jika melewati lingkungan Kalianyar, sesekali akan terlihat spanduk anti-tawuran. Kelurahan di kecamatan Tambora, Jakarta Barat, ini merupakan salah satu kawasan terpadat, bukan hanya di Jakarta bahkan di Asia Tenggara. Remaja-remaja di tempat ini mudah terbawa oleh kenakalan yang diekspresikan dalam bentuk tawuran. Sudah banyak korban jiwa yang melayang karena aksi yang dipicu oleh masalah-masalah yang sebenarnya sepele. Kerawanan ini – diperparah bahaya peredaran narkoba, mabuk-mabukan, perjudian, dan lain-lainnya – membuat prihatin dan khawatir banyak dari orang tua mereka.
Futsal as a means of coming alongside
In response, Yayasan Pendar Pagi has facilitated a way for these young teens to channel their energy in a more positive direction, providing at the same time the opportunity for them to develop their talents and potential.
Bekerjasama dengan seorang mantan pemain salah satu klub di Liga Super Indonesia dan sekarang menjadi pelatih profesional, dimulailah sebuah kegiatan futsal bagi salah satu RW di Kalianyar. Daya tarik futsal ini sangat tinggi. Ada lebih dari 20 remaja yang ikut bergabung dalam latihan. Kegiatan ini menjadi wadah yang efektif untuk mengadakan pelajaran teknis yang mengasah kemampuan jasmani mereka, sekaligus juga memberikan pendampingan yang mengasah karakter dan “soft-skill” seperti kerjasama, disiplin diri, dan kepemimpinan pada mereka.
“Yes, I get enjoyment, get solidarity, and get togetherness; and I also get knowledge. I’m very happy – Thank you!”
Afan, a teen in the Boys’ Club futsal program
Growing leaders to bring about change
Those who have enjoyed the benefits of the futsal program are expected to become change makers in the area where they live. For this purpose YPP has developed a leadership training program for all members in conjunction with its weekly futsal activities. Here, coaches instil leadership values through mentoring, before or after futsal practice.
“Before, Kalianyar was notorious for gang fights. Thank God, here we now have futsal activities to lead these kids in a more positive direction.”
Bang Eman, a Kalianyar resident now trained as a coach (leftmost in the top right photo)
Besides weekly practices, the most highly anticipated event is an annual futsal camp. Over three days, professional coaches provide intensive instruction in futsal technique and leadership values. The ultimate goal is to see some of the participants become new coaches, trained to bring positive change themselves. We also hope that new coaches who come through the futsal training will reach out to other teens and help them steer clear of negative influences that bring destruction.
The goal of the Boys’ Club is to see these young boys excel in their talents and abilities; to see them wanting to achieve, and believing that they can; and to see them grow into citizens of good character who will play positive roles in their community.
Other Learning is Fun! groups:
Learning and fun through creative play
Creativity and positive values in a Riau village
Help and encouragement for underprivileged students
English 
Indonesian