Five hundred young footballers from across Kota Kinabalu completed a three-day training clinic today, marking a highlight of the U.S. embassy’s nationwide Freedom 250 campaign celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The Freedom 250 Sabah Football Clinic Powered by ConocoPhillips built teamwork, leadership, confidence, and community spirit among participants aged 8 to 15.

The clinic is a core feature of the embassy’s nationwide Freedom 250 campaign, which honors the U.S.-Malaysia diplomatic partnership through signature events in key hubs across the country. The clinic featured three prominent figures in American soccer:

• Shannon Boxx: three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup Champion
• Tony Sanneh: U.S. National Soccer Hall of Famer and two-time MLS Cup Champion
• Maren McCrary:  Former WUSA Professional Player and U.S. Soccer Youth National Team Scout

The program began on September 1, 2026, at Fut8 Arena in Sembulan using football-based learning to build teamwork, leadership, discipline, confidence and community spirit among young participants from Kota Kinabalu.

Football as a Platform for Youth Development

The clinic was more than a sporting event. ConocoPhillips’ support positioned the clinic as a flagship community initiative within Freedom 250, reflecting the company’s broader commitment to youth development in Sabah.

The program complemented ConocoPhillips’ continuing investments in education and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), extending the same focus on future-ready skills into sport and active learning. By creating opportunities across both education and sports, the initiative helped young Sabahans build confidence, resilience, and a collaborative mindset needed to shape a brighter future.

The closing ceremony was attended by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Mr. David H. Gamble Jr., and Connor Dunn, President, ConocoPhillips Malaysia.  Two hundred children attended the closing ceremony.

“At ConocoPhillips, we believe in supporting development of young people and helping them realize their full potential. Through the Freedom 250 Sabah Football Clinic, we are proud to empower Sabah youth through sport, complementing our broader investment in education and STEM initiatives.

“We also recognize the important role sports plays in building confidence, teamwork, leadership and resilience. By expanding opportunities both on and off the field, we hope to equip young Sabahans with the skills, mindset and determination they need to succeed in the future,” said Connor Dunn, President, ConocoPhillips Malaysia.