27 April 2026
Gresik, April 27, 2026 – A total of 300 children from various Football Schools (Sekolah Sepak Bola/SSB) across Gresik Regency enthusiastically participated in the Freeport Grassroots Tournament (FGT) at Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium, Gresik, on April 24–25, 2026. The event was organized by PT Freeport Indonesia to support the development of early-age football at the grassroots level.
"It was exciting and fun. But there was a tense moment during the penalty shootout," said SSB Mengare player Choirul Ashar (10) after the match.
The Best Goalkeeper of FGT 2026 in Gresik shared that since joining the tournament, his team has been training with greater enthusiasm and playing more cohesively. Ashar and his teammates were also delighted to receive football boots after participating in the tournament.
The Freeport Grassroots Tournament is an annual event co-organized by PTFI and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) since 2024. A total of 10 SSBs in the U-10 category and 10 SSBs in the U-12 category participated in the event, which was supported in its execution by PT Garuda Sepak Bola Indonesia. Unlike in previous years, FGT 2026 adopted a rotation system to give each SSB an equal opportunity to develop and showcase their young players.
PSSI Chairman Erick Tohir commended PTFI for its consistent support of Indonesian football's advancement. "This trust reinforces PSSI's commitment to continuously improving early-age football — through competitions, collaborations, and quality coaching, which is critically important and has a positive impact on the development of young players," he said.
PTFI Smelter Vice President of External Affairs, Erika Silva, expressed great gratitude that FGT 2026 in Gresik received an overwhelmingly positive response and has become increasingly embraced by the Gresik community, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of parents and relatives who came to cheer on the children on the pitch.
"PTFI's presence in Gresik is not solely focused on industrial activities, but on growing and developing alongside the community — one way being through the development of the younger generation in sports," said Erika.
Beyond the competition, FGT 2026 also distributed 300 pairs of football boots to SSBs in Gresik, 400 pairs to SSBs in Timika, and 300 pairs to SSBs in Jayapura.
SSB Serdadu Sidowungu coach (Menganti District), Muhammad Ashori, said the presence of FGT in Gresik is an extraordinary form of appreciation for the children. They were given the opportunity to compete at Joko Samudro Stadium, enjoyed good facilities, and received free jerseys and football boots from PTFI.
"FGT is very important because to achieve success in football — both regionally and nationally — it must start from the grassroots. That is fundamental. From here, seeds and talents emerge who will one day compete in professional football," he said.
Indonesian national football team legend Evan Dimas, who also attended the FGT, said that the children's courage to perform and compete deserves recognition. Good football is not only determined by playing ability, but also by the mental strength and attitude built from an early age.
"Competitions like FGT are made to instill values more important than football itself — not merely about winning or losing, but about how to cultivate discipline, fair play, mental fortitude, and attitude from a young age," said Evan.
The tournament was held intensively over two days. In the U-10 category, SSB Nusa Gemilang emerged as champions, followed by WCP Pasopati in second place, and SSB Mengare in third. Individual awards went to M Mirza Arkhan Al Fari (SSB Nusa Gemilang) as Best Player, and Choirul Ashar (SSB Mengare) as Best Goalkeeper.
In the U-12 category, SSB Gressia claimed first place, followed by Peganden FC in second, and SSB Mengare in third. U-12 individual awards went to Rasydhan Hiroshi El R (SSB Gressia) as Best Player, and M. Haikal Sahrul (SSB Gressia) as Best Goalkeeper.
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SSB Nusa Gemilang players celebrate after scoring in the U-10 category final against WCP Pasopati. |
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Ball-contesting action between Peganden FC and SSB Gressia players in the U-12 category final of the Freeport Grassroots Tournament 2026. |
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SSB Gressia U-12 players pose with the football boots distributed to all participants of the Freeport Grassroots Tournament 2026 in Gresik — a total of 300 pairs. |
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SSB Nusa Gemilang claims the U-10 championship title at the Freeport Grassroots Tournament 2026. |
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SSB Gressia claims the U-12 championship title at the Freeport Grassroots Tournament 2026. |
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About PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI)
PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is a leading mineral mining company, affiliated with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) and Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID). PTFI conducts integrated mineral mining, processing, and refining operations to produce copper cathodes, gold, and silver bullion. Through its upstream-to-downstream operations, PTFI is the world's largest integrated copper mining company.
PTFI's mining operations are located in the Grasberg area, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province — one of the most remote and extreme highland regions in the world, home to one of the largest copper and gold deposits on earth. Refining is carried out at PTFI's smelter facility in Gresik, East Java, as part of the company's commitment to downstream processing and value-added mineral development within the country.
PTFI is currently developing several large-scale, high-grade underground mines in the Grasberg mineral district. Through sustainable resource management, application of advanced technology, and world-class safety standards, PTFI is committed to continuing its contribution to national economic development.
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