Sergai Hosts North Sumatra U-17 Soeratin Cup

Sergai Kartininews.com – The North Sumatra Provincial-level U-17 Soeratin Cup football competition officially kicked off in Serdang Bedagai Regency (Sergai). The tournament, aimed at scouting and developing young footballers, was opened by Sergai Regent Darma Wijaya at Bengabeng Village Football Field, Pegajahan District, on Saturday (9/5/2026).

The opening was marked by the first kick-off performed by Darma Wijaya, accompanied by the Acting Secretary of the North Sumatra PSSI Provincial Association (Assprov), Yosephine Sembiring. The opening match pitted Sejati Jaya against TGM.

Darma Wijaya expressed appreciation for PSSI's decision to name Sergai as one of the hosts of the 2026 North Sumatra U-17 Soeratin Cup. He said Sergai has great potential in developing young footballers and has consistently produced talented players, including Arkhan Fikri, who has now reached the national level.

"On behalf of the Sergai Regency Government, we welcome this warmly. Sergai is also one of the regencies that has contributed football players. We're confident the children competing today have a strong determination to advance," he said.

He said the high enthusiasm among young people for football is an important asset in producing quality players. However, he noted that developing young talent needs to be supported by adequate sports facilities.

For that reason, Darma Wijaya hopes PSSI will give greater attention to football development in Sergai, including budget support for building a stadium that could sustain long-term athlete development.

"Our hope going forward is that PSSI can give more attention, including budget support for building a stadium in Serdang Bedagai Regency," he said.

Meanwhile, Yosephine Sembiring praised the Sergai Regency Government for facilitating the competition.

He said Sergai's appointment as host is notable in the history of the North Sumatra U-17 Soeratin Cup, since in recent years the age-group competition has mostly been centered in Medan City.

"This is the first time in several years that Sergai has hosted. Usually, the U-17 age group is always centered in Medan," he said.