We do not want the `Young Garuda` to play under pressure."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Tugu Muda Football Academy of Semarang stated their willingness to compete as Indonesian representatives and face strong teams from all around the world in the 2013 Danone Nations Cup in London, UK, September 5-7.

"The Indonesia U-12 national team has been practicing and adjusting to the climate and food during the training camp in Batu Malang, from August 20 to 30, 2013," said the Assistant Coach of 2013 AQUA DNC National Champions Herry on Monday.

He believed the players would give their best in the event.

"We do not want the `Young Garuda` to play under pressure. It is important to give their best while enhancing their experience," he said.

Meanwhile, President Director of PT AQUA Golden Mississippi Parmaningsih Hadinegoro advised the players to approach the game without any burden.

"We want them to add to their playing experience and meet new friends from various countries, because this could be a once in a lifetime chance," she said.

The British Ambassador to Indonesia Mark Canning expressed his pleasure to meet the next starlets of Indonesian football. He reminded that football is a very popular sport in Indonesia, especially the English Premier League.

"I hope you can enjoy England`s sights while practising there. I hope you can score an achievement. To believe in our own performances is the important thing to open the way to success. We should enjoy what we do and keep believe in ourselves," he said.

While the Youth and Sports Ministry`s Deputy Chief of Sports Achievement Development Affairs Djoko Pekik expressed his proudness that he met the future of Indonesian football.

"Good luck young guns, place the `Garuda` emblem upon your chests. We always support you, there is no need to burden yourself with a winning target, but you have to play your best because if you play your best, there is always a chance to win the game," he said.

In the elimination round, Indonesia will face the European trio in Group H, namely Germany, Ireland and Belgium. In the first round, 32 teams will be divided into eight groups.

In 2012, Indonesia, represented by Muara Cunda Football Academy of Aceh, reached the 23rd place of 40 participating nations. The result was 10 place ups compared to the previous edition, which Indonesia only reached 33rd place of 40 participating nations in 2011.

(Reported by Azis Kurmala/Uu.G006/INE/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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