Early childhood football development in Sibolga City has officially begun with the opening of the prestigious 2026 U-13 and U-15 Soeratin Cup tournament. This football competition was officially opened by the Mayor of Sibolga, Akhmad Syukri Nazry Penarik, along with local government officials at the Horas Stadium in Sibolga City on Tuesday (28/7/2026) afternoon. This event is expected to serve as a bridge for local young footballers to pursue careers at a higher level.
The Mayor of Sibolga conveyed that this competition is not just an ordinary tournament, but a platform to recruit potential athletes who will later represent Sibolga City in the North Sumatra Province level of the Soeratin Cup. In his opening speech, he emphasized the importance of upholding sportsmanship and discipline during the matches, as true achievement is only born through honest and fair means.
This tournament also serves as a showcase for Horas Stadium, the construction of which was just completed in 2026 after starting in 2025. The Sibolga City Government expressed its commitment to continuously improve this sports infrastructure, including plans to add spectator stands and other supporting facilities in the upcoming 2027 budget year to make the stadium more representative.
Furthermore, Akhmad Syukri invited all elements of society to work together in maintaining this public sports facility. He hopes that Horas Stadium can be utilized optimally as a center for sports activities and youth development. This step is considered strategic for directing the younger generation toward positive activities to avoid the threat of juvenile delinquency, such as brawling and drug abuse.
The opening of this youth football competition was symbolically marked by the kickoff by the Mayor of Sibolga. The opening agenda was also attended by the Regional Secretary of Sibolga City Herman Suwito, Assistant for Development Administration and Public Affairs Denni Aprilsyah Lubis, Acting Chairman of Askot PSSI Sibolga Rahmad Saleh Jambak, and several other regional officials, who were enthusiastically welcomed by the local community.
