Barru, JurnalPost.com — The Barru Regency U-12 Ramang League football competition is back for its second year, held on 2026. This youth tournament has now expanded, welcoming teams from various regions across South Sulawesi.
The U-12 2026 Ramang League officially opened at Sumpang Binangae Field, Barru Regency, on Saturday (26/9/2026). The opening was marked by a ceremonial kick-off by the Regent of Barru, Andi Ina Kartika Sari, alongside the Chairman of the Barru Regency Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Ir. Muhammad Yulianto, and the Vice Regent of Barru, Abustan A. Bintang.
Vice Regent Abustan A. Bintang, who also serves as the Chairman of the PSSI Barru Regency, stated that the shift to an open competition format aims to provide young players with more diverse match experiences.
“We have opened it up so that the children can play and share techniques with one another,” said Abustan.
In previous years, the Ramang League was limited to participants from Barru Regency. This year, teams from outside the region are participating, giving players the opportunity to face different playing styles.
According to Abustan, competitions like the Ramang League are essential tools for measuring the development of young players while broadening their competitive experience from an early age.
He noted that Barru possesses promising young talent. Despite differences in physical stature and playing styles, several young players have already demonstrated strong technical skills.
“Hopefully, this can be nurtured and improved so that this activity will eventually produce and develop football players who can compete not only locally but also follow in the footsteps of their seniors,” he said.
Ramang Football Academy Planned for 2027
In addition to hosting youth competitions, the Barru Regency Government plans to strengthen its football development system by establishing the Ramang Football Academy.
Abustan stated that the initial phase of the academy's development is targeted to begin in 2027. The local government will start with planning, followed by the construction of the field and supporting facilities.
In the long term, the academy is expected to include dormitory facilities, allowing for more structured development of young players.
“God willing, in 2027 we will begin the construction of the Ramang Football Academy. At a minimum, we will start with the planning, then build the field, and hopefully by 2029 it will be completed with a dormitory,” he explained.
He emphasized that infrastructure development must be accompanied by improvements in human resource quality. Consequently, coaches and football enthusiasts in Barru are being encouraged to enhance their competencies, including obtaining coaching licenses.
The youth development efforts implemented thus far are beginning to show results, with several footballers from Barru having secured opportunities to play at higher levels.
Abustan mentioned that there are young players from Barru currently playing for Arema Malang, while two others have joined PSM in the U-17 age group.
He believes this progress must be maintained to ensure Barru produces a generation of players capable of competing at both regional and national levels.
Preparation for the Wajo-Bone Provincial Sports Week (Porprov)
On the same occasion, Abustan provided an update on the Barru football team preparing for the Provincial Sports Week (Porprov), which will take place in Wajo and Bone in November 2026.
A total of 22 players have been selected to participate in training programs and centralized training camps ahead of the competition.
For the men's team, the roster includes not only players from Barru Regency but also talent from other regions in South Sulawesi to strengthen the squad.
Meanwhile, the Barru women's team has shown positive development. One notable result was their 4-0 victory over Makassar in a previous match.
Abustan believes this result serves as an important asset for the Barru women's team heading into the Porprov.
“For the women's team, it is almost certain they will win gold, provided there are no obstacles,” he said.
For the men's team, the minimum target is to reach the top two. Nevertheless, the team is being pushed to pursue the best possible results in the competition.
Ramang League Features 16 Teams
The Chairperson of the U-12 Ramang League, who also serves as the Head of the Sports Division at the Barru Regency Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office (Disparekrafpora), Andi Rukaiyyah, stated that the competition will run for two days, 26–27 September 2026, at the Sumpang Binangae Football Field.
A total of 16 teams are participating this year. Six teams are from Barru Regency, while the other 10 teams come from Soppeng, Pangkep, Parepare, and Sidrap.
The presence of teams from various regions is expected to not only improve the quality of the competition but also provide young players with more match experience and foster relationships between football schools and clubs.
The committee has prepared a total prize pool of Rp12.3 million. Prizes will be awarded to teams placing first through eighth.
In addition to team awards, the committee is also providing individual honors for the top scorer, best player, and best goalkeeper.
Abustan hopes that the Ramang League will not just remain an annual competition but will become a sustainable part of youth football development.
He also expressed his appreciation for the support from the Regent of Barru, the Barru Regency Disparekrafpora, the committee, referees, officials, coaches, and all participants involved in organizing the event.
“Thank you again to the Regent for her attention and concern for the development of football in Barru Regency,” he said.
The opening of the U-12 2026 Ramang League was also attended by representatives from the Kodim 1405/Parepare and the Barru Police, the Assistant for Government and People's Welfare of the Barru Regional Secretariat, the PSSI Barru leadership, heads of regional government agencies, the Head of Barru District, representatives from the Barru KONI, the Head of Sumpang Binangae Village, as well as managers, coaches, officials, and competition participants.
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