Tigers Football Academy Surabaya: More Than Just Football

Founded in 2019 at Surabaya European School (SES), Tigers Football Academy (TFA) has grown rapidly into an inspiring youth football community. With SES's full backing, TFA now coaches nearly 200 players aged 3 to 18, including 100 girls.

TFA's philosophy is clear: football is not only about trophies but about building character. Discipline, teamwork, empathy and responsibility are instilled in every training session. For TFA, success is about more than silverware: the academy puts character first.

“The structure is good and gives a clear path to move up to a higher level,” says Ryan Myring, an SES student and captain of the senior boys' team. For Marshyta, TFA taught one important thing: “To play at the top level, ability alone isn't enough - attitude matters far more.” Bellabee sums up the atmosphere at TFA in a few words: “It feels like family.”

That sense of togetherness has a real impact on many families. With sponsors and partners such as SES, TFA helps remove the barriers that stop children taking part - providing transport, meals and kit, and opening access to part-time work, coaching roles and English classes. For some families, TFA is not just a sports club but a support system that builds confidence and opens new opportunities.

The achievements of its alumni show how discipline and opportunity go hand in hand. Adel and Savaz, for example, have represented the Indonesia U20 national team in World Cup qualifiers in Myanmar. “I joined because I needed a more disciplined environment to improve my game,” says Savaz.

Girls' team captain and SES student Hana Kusuma has also felt football's positive impact on her life. “I love playing football, but I know that to train four days a week I have to be responsible at school. The coaches are always supportive, and we understand that if we're not disciplined at school and at home, we might not be allowed to play.”

On the pitch, the inclusive approach is paying off. TFA's boys' and girls' teams play regularly in leagues and tournaments, even travelling as far as Bali. The girls' programme is one of the academy's proudest achievements and is rated among the best in Indonesia. In the Hydroplus Girls Soccer League, the Surabaya U15 girls currently sit second, while the U18s are unbeaten and top the table after dramatic 3-2 and 3-1 wins over Arema FC. This year the U13 and U16 girls also won the Haggana Cup. Next, TFA plans to go further by joining the national women's league.

What makes TFA special is the balance between ambition and care. The coaches push for the best performance, while parents, friends and families create a warm and supportive atmosphere. Training and matches often feel like community events, with parents and siblings on the sidelines.

For TFA, winning is only part of the journey. The main goal has been the same from the start: to help Indonesian children grow into disciplined, confident and connected young people. As it keeps growing, Tigers Football Academy is showing that football can be a way to build a future - not only on the pitch, but in life.