Carrick Rangers Partner with PSS Sleman, Target 20-30 Young Talents in First Year

Irish League club Carrick Rangers has officially entered into a partnership with Askab PSSI Sleman and PSS Sleman to develop young football talent through a coaching clinic program held at Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, on Wednesday (30/9/2026). The move opens a new pathway for local footballers to break into European competitions, while also marking the entry of an international club into youth development in Indonesia.

Chairman of Askab PSSI Sleman, Denny Ardiyanta, said that Carrick Rangers' presence offers a golden opportunity for Sleman's children to hone their abilities to an international level. "This program will screen talented players and give them the chance to develop their careers in Europe, particularly through the pathway prepared by Carrick Rangers," he said.

The activity, which ran from Tuesday afternoon (29/9/2026) until Wednesday night, involved 26 female players selected from the Regional Sports Week (Porda), as well as a number of players from the PSS academy. Participants took part in joint training sessions before later being selected to appear in trial matches. According to Denny, this gradual selection process is part of a comprehensive evaluation of players' potential.

Carrick Rangers President Peter Clarke stressed that the club is not only looking for players with strong technical ability. Mental aspects, passion, and the willingness to develop are considered equally important. "You have to have the skill, but just as crucial is the passion, the drive, the desire, and the ambition. That is what separates players who succeed at the global level from those who only survive at the local level," Clarke said.

"Passion, talent, skill, approach, desire, willingness to put in extra effort. That is what will separate a player to become successful, to enter a global program rather than just surviving locally," said Peter Clarke.

Clarke recounted his experience of finding players with great talent but lacking the determination to advance. Therefore, character and work ethic are decisive factors in the selection process. Carrick Rangers itself opens its doors as wide as possible to talented players, but remains realistic with its initial target. "If we find 400 outstanding kids, we will try to take them all. But honestly, if in the first year we get 20 or 30 kids, we already consider that a success," he added.

This partnership is not merely a short-term program. Carrick Rangers has drawn up a five-year development plan in the hope that the number of players involved will continue to grow. For Indonesian football, particularly Sleman, this initiative is a breath of fresh air amid the limited youth development pathways directly connected to European clubs. The presence of this Irish club can also serve as a catalyst for other regions to establish similar partnerships, expanding access for young Indonesian players to the international stage.

Going forward, the biggest challenge is ensuring the program does not stop at ceremony alone. Sustained commitment is needed from all parties, including PSSI and local clubs, to monitor the progress of selected players. If successful, this model could become a blueprint for exporting young Indonesian talent to European leagues, while also boosting the competitiveness of national football on the global stage.