Ulu Klang Recreation Club (UKRC) is the epitome of muhibbah. Founded by K. Suppiah the same year Malaya gained its independence in 1957, the community club has become an institution in Ampang, and beyond.
People of all races and religions make up its members, and it has become a one-stop recreational centre.
Its sense of community saw the club emerge victorious in 2022 after a 22-year struggle to reclaim the green space from the Selangor government.
“It was not easy, but we persevered,” said club trustee and former president Andrew Gopal.
“Everyone banded together to help the club in its legal battle. Despite losing control of the field in 2013, we never lost hope.
“Everyone in the community chipped in, one way or another, for the legal fight. Finally, in November 2022, we formally regained control of the club facilities, including the playing pitch.”
Andrew said the members were extremely proud of that victory and passed the hat around to collect RM120,000 for field restoration and restroom refurbishment.
Last weekend was especially memorable for the club as it marked the return of its long-running International Soccer 9s competition after a four-year hiatus.
The 18th edition of the football competition attracted clubs from all over the country and overseas. It was also the first time since 2016 that UKRC could host the tournament on its home ground.
“The team worked hard to get the field ready. Our decision to wait a year after regaining control of the pitch before hosting the tournament paid off,” said Andrew.
“The players were impressed by the playing surface. The VIP (Perai assemblyman Datuk Seri S. Sundrarajoo), who gave away the prizes at the closing ceremony, said the pitch was on a par with those in the English Premier League.”
The final was a gripping encounter between Kuala Lumpur teams STG Veterans and Bright & Bright Master FC. After a 0-0 stalemate, STG Veterans emerged victorious in the shootout, winning 2-1.
In the Plate Final, YFC Veterans from Brunei faced off against The Malacca Club. The match also ended 0-0 after regulation time. YFC Veterans secured their victory with a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout.
YFC Veterans won the K. Suppiah Fairplay Trophy, named after the club’s founder.
STG Veterans’ Paidiya Rau Subramaniam won the top scorer’s award with eight goals. He took home the Uncle Lee Memorial Trophy.
The trophy is named after Lee Paw Koi, who spent 360 out of 365 days a year on the premises. Lee passed away on July 28, 2021.
Over the years, UKRC’s nine-a-side tournament has enabled old friends to meet, spend time and create even more memories.
The tournament highlight was the ‘official dinner’ where members, players, guests, and sponsors let their hair down to share a meal, drinks, and laughter while walking down memory lane. Those with fancy footwork danced the night away to live music.
The late Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin performed at the club several times, and was a long-time member. The crooner was a formidable forward and midfielder who played for the Selangor Indian Association in the Selangor League before joining Starlight Club and the UKRC veterans’ team.
Other notable performers have included Datin Effa Rizan and A. Radha Krishnan, better known as the Black Stallion.
“The club is for everyone. It will forever remain open to those in the neighbourhood,” Andrew added.
