Former Indonesian National Team Star Evan Dimas Trades Spotlight for Grassroots Coaching

TULUNGAGUNG, Indonesia — Evan Dimas Pramono, once a household name in Indonesian football and a key midfielder for the national team, has stepped away from the roar of stadium crowds to nurture young talent in a quiet village. Now coaching children at a grassroots football school (SSB) in Mojoarum Village, Gondang Subdistrict, Tulungagung Regency, the 30-year-old is shaping the next generation of players on a modest field surrounded by rice paddies and rolling hills.

Source: suarajatimpost

Every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday afternoon, Dimas leads training sessions for around 20 children at the SSB Saraswati, a program under the Sanggar Saraswati Nuswantara cultural organization. The serene backdrop of green fields and distant mountains creates a calming atmosphere as he passionately guides the kids through drills.

“I’ve been spending most of my time at Sanggar Saraswati, where I’m learning to mentor young athletes through football,” Dimas said on Sunday, June 22, 2025. 

Dimas, who helped Indonesia secure a runner-up finish in the 2016 AFF Championship and a bronze medal at the 2017 SEA Games, said his decision to coach in the village was deliberate. Drawn to the holistic football education model of Sanggar Saraswati Nuswantara, which blends sports with cultural and ethical values, he joined the program about six to seven months ago while still playing for Persik.

“Here, it’s not just about football but also about life values,” Dimas said during a training session, with the sun setting over the hills and fields. He emphasizes teaching teamwork, discipline, and respect alongside basic football techniques, viewing the sport as a tool to instill ethics and morality.

While Dimas has not confirmed whether he has retired from professional football, he remains focused on coaching despite offers from clubs, including Persik. “There have been offers, but I’ve decided to focus on training these kids,” he said.

When asked about income from coaching, Dimas downplayed financial concerns, noting that the knowledge and experience gained at Sanggar Saraswati Nuswantara are invaluable. The organization, which also engages in community service, arts, culture, science, and technology, aligns with his vision of giving back.

From a simple village field, Dimas is quietly building the future of Indonesian football, mentoring elementary-school-aged children with patience and dedication. “These kids are the roots. We must instill the best in them—ethics, morals, and techniques with care and detail,” he said, underscoring his commitment to nurturing young talent.

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