Nathan’s Story

The AIA-Tottenham Hotspur Player Development Programme was launched in 2017 as a way of helping people across Asia lead Healthier, Longer, Better lives. Through this platform, young and aspiring footballer, Nathan Fariel Kusama, earned an Academy contract with Persija Jakarta – one of the biggest club sides in Indonesia.

Nathan Kusama was discovered by the Spurs’ Global Football Coaching team at the AIA Junior Cup in 2017 and was one of the 12 best players in the tournament to enter the first ever AIA-Tottenham Hotspur Elite Training Camp in Thailand later that year. Providing him with the foundation to maximise his football potential as well as a pathway to go professional.

Despite the setbacks due to the pandemic, Nathan remained passionate to meet his goals by continuing his training at home to further develop his techniques. He showed great skill and determination which was recognised and celebrated by the Tottenham Hotspur Global Football development coaches. The club continued to provide him with more training opportunities to demonstrate, learn and improve his skills.

He said: “I feel so happy and proud of myself after all the hard work and through all the ups and downs. Thank you to all the Tottenham Hotspur coaches for their unbelievable support and for pushing me to the limit. I am now able to join the biggest team in Indonesia and it’s just the beginning, I still have a lot work to do for the future.”

Adrian New, Director of Football Initiatives, AIA, said: “The AIA-Tottenham Hotspur football pathways are primarily designed to show children and parents the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. We don’t promise to turn young players into professional footballers but we do promise to help them maximise their potential and achieve their dreams.”