Soccer is perhaps one of the most popular spectator sports in the world. Thousands of people come to games where they can view the action firsthand and millions more watch from home. Indonesia is no exception — Indonesian fans are fanatical about their local teams, and international soccer matches dominate multiple TV channels on any given weekend.
In Jakarta and other major cities, as well as rural towns, children and adults can often be seen playing in vacant lots, parks, and formal sports fields. Uniforms range from fully sponsored team kits to bare feet and no shirt — but the common denominator is always the love of the sport.
The Indonesian government has made a concentrated effort to promote the sport, with major funding provided to improve the national game. Foreign coaches and players have been brought in to raise the level of play, resulting in improved performance and greater national pride.
With the heightened level of interest in soccer, it is no wonder that international soccer schools are capitalising on this opportunity. These programmes are getting children off the couch and onto the pitch — an increasingly important goal as statistics show more Indonesian children are becoming overweight, driven by high-carbohydrate diets and a growing fascination with gadgets over physical activity.
Benefits of Soccer for Children
Soccer does not require a specific body type, making it accessible to children of all shapes and sizes. In the course of a single game, a player may run up to seven miles — a combination of sprinting and jogging that builds excellent cardiovascular endurance.
Beyond fitness, soccer teaches discipline, teamwork, and communication. Children learn that success is shared, and defeat is a lesson rather than an individual embarrassment. Research also shows that children who play on competitive teams tend to perform above average academically — whether due to improved physical stamina, greater self-confidence, or both.
What a Good Soccer School Should Offer
A strong programme will focus on building coordination, dribbling, passing, and ball control alongside tactical awareness and game strategy. The best schools develop the individual player within a structured, purposeful framework with clear goals — helping each child reach their full potential. Many of the world’s best players attended formal soccer academies, which attests to the value of these programmes.
English & International Soccer Schools in Jakarta
Jakarta is home to a number of internationally affiliated soccer academies that deliver coaching in English, making them especially well-suited to expat families and English-speaking children.
Manchester City Football School (MCFS) — British School Jakarta
MCFS is an official academy managed by Manchester City Football Club, based at British School Jakarta (BSJ). Coaches are trained and certified to Manchester City standards and use BSJ’s state-of-the-art facilities including outdoor, natural, and 4G pitches. The programme is open to children aged 5–14 and focuses on football skill development alongside overall wellbeing. All coaching is delivered in English.
- Ages: 5–14
- Contact: (021) 745 1670 / 0812 9678 4450
- Website: www.bsj.sch.id/mancity
French Football Academy Jakarta (FFF Academy)
The FFF Academy welcomes players aged 4 to 18, with three distinct programmes: a toddler programme (ages 4–6), a girls programme (ages 8–18), and an elite programme. The academy emphasises a full-time learning approach, combining skill development, tactical training, and academic studies.
- Ages: 4–18
- Contact: 0821 9822 1130
- Website: www.fffacademyjkt.com
Borussia Academy Indonesia
In partnership with German Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach, this academy is open to boys and girls aged 3–16 regardless of skill level. Training is age-specific and emphasises motor coordination, skill development, and the fundamentals of team play.
- Ages: 3–16
- Contact: 0813 9443 2013
- Website: borussiaacademy.id
Brazilian Soccer Schools (BSS) Indonesia
Since 2011, BSS Indonesia has delivered the Brazilian style of soccer across the country — integrating Samba music, signature player moves, and Futebol de Salao. The programme targets children aged 4–14 and focuses on personal development and sportsmanship alongside technical skill.
- Ages: 4–14
- Contact: 0878 7555 4115
- Website: www.bssindonesia.co.id
ASIOP Apacinti
Established in 1997, ASIOP Apacinti is one of Jakarta’s most established youth football academies, with alumni competing in professional leagues and representing the national team. It offers a Regular Programme and a Saturday Hobby Programme for beginners. ASIOP has also partnered with Japanese J-League club Shonan Bellmare to form Indonesia’s first Japanese-affiliated soccer school.
- Contact: 0819 5888 8011 / 0877 7812 9588
- Website: www.asiopapacinti.com
Jakarta Kids Football Club
This club offers team and private soccer training for children aged 6–12 years, with sessions held at SBM Sports Club Citra in West Jakarta. A free trial session is available for new members.
- Ages: 6–12
- Contact: +62 817 0717 979 (WhatsApp/Instagram)
Soccer Summer Camps in Jakarta
For families looking for holiday programmes with a soccer focus, several Jakarta schools and academies run summer camps during the school break period (typically June–August). These are a great way for children to develop their game in an intensive, fun environment.
Brazilian Soccer Schools Holiday Camp
BSS Indonesia runs holiday camps open to children aged 4–14. Campers receive 9–15 hours of high-quality coaching (depending on age group), learn technical and tactical skills, and take part in World Cup-style tournaments with awards. Sessions run four days a week over various school holiday periods.
ACG School Jakarta — Summer Programme (Football Specialisation)
ACG School Jakarta runs a six-week summer programme (June–July) open to all school-age children, not just ACG students. Specialised football camps are available alongside swimming, pottery, engineering, and English clubs. The programme features a low student-to-instructor ratio and a full-time nurse on campus.
- Location: Jl Warung Jati Barat No 19, Jati Padang, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta 12540
- Contact: (021) 2978 0200 | [email protected]
- Website: www.jakarta.acgedu.com
Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) — Summer Academy
JIS runs a summer programme from June through early August for elementary, middle, and high school students. The programme includes Coerver soccer among a range of sports and academic enrichment activities, with instructors drawn from leading global universities.
- Location: Pondok Indah Campus, Jl. Duta Indah III, South Jakarta 12310
- Contact: (021) 5098 9555
- Website: www.jisedu.or.id
Making the Most of Your Time in Jakarta
Whether you are an expat family or a local resident, enrolling your child in one of Jakarta’s many international soccer schools is a wonderful way to develop their skills, build confidence, and make friends. With programmes ranging from casual Saturday morning sessions to elite academies affiliated with clubs like Manchester City and Borussia Mönchengladbach, there is something to suit every child’s age, ability, and ambition. You’ll see a continual improvement in their soccer skills — and in their character — throughout their time in Indonesia.
