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The Borneo Football Cup, held annually in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, is an international youth tournament endorsed by Sabah FA and the Football Association of Malaysia. Featuring age categories from U13 to U16, it attracts teams from across Asia and Oceania. For referees, it’s a unique chance to officiate fast-paced, multicultural matches in a well-organized setting, work alongside international peers, and experience the rich football culture and natural beauty of Borneo. Referees will only referee 1 to 2 games per day, leaving them plenty of time to discover the local attractions.
Referees at the Borneo Football Cup will be accommodated in a quality hotel in central Kota Kinabalu, with the Promenade Hotel often used as an example for its comfort and location near the waterfront. Daily breakfast is provided at the hotel, with lunch served at the fields during matchdays. Local transportation is fully arranged, making travel between venues smooth and convenient. The setting combines professional officiating with the chance to enjoy Borneo’s stunning scenery, friendly culture, and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Kota Kinabalu offers referees at the Borneo Football Cup a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation between matchdays. Explore the vibrant waterfront markets or take a sunset stroll along Tanjung Aru Beach. Nature lovers can visit the world-famous Kinabalu Park or take a boat trip to the nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for snorkeling and island hopping. For a cultural experience, the city’s night markets and local food spots showcase the rich flavors of Sabah. Whether it’s nature, culture, or cuisine, Borneo delivers a truly memorable getaway.
Kota Kinabalu is well connected and easy to reach for referees traveling to the Borneo Football Cup. The city is served by Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), which offers regular flights from major hubs across Southeast Asia such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and Manila. From the airport, the city center is just a short taxi or shuttle ride away. For those coming from further afield, convenient connections through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore make reaching Sabah straightforward. With good transport links and a welcoming atmosphere, arriving in Kota Kinabalu is the first step toward an exciting football and cultural experience.
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Piero de Nicolo17 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A fantastic experience with Referee Abroad, thanks to the opportunity to take part in both the Donosti Cup and the Porto International Cup. Two international tournaments that provided an extraordinary opportunity for both refereeing and personal growth. The professionalism and excellent organisation, together with the opportunity to interact with referees and football communities from different countries, made both experiences truly unique. I highly recommend Referee Abroad to any referee looking to develop, challenge themselves and experience international football. ⚽️🌍Posted on Google![]()
Bajat Omeirat8 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It was the best experience of my life.Posted on Google![]()
Matthew Day26 March 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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Lee Stevens23 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Totally fabulous way to spend a week refereeing international youth football with like minded officials, cannot recommend highly enough to referees of all ages. Life time friendships madePosted on Google![]()
Cloud Zheng23 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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Emil Jacobsson22 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great experience, awesome community and fun off-days aswell as good gamesPosted on Google![]()
shaheen_gs21 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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Jamie Foster1 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Referee Abroad has been an outstanding experience from start to finish. The entire organisation has a real family feel, and you’re made to feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Everyone—staff, mentors, and fellow referees—is incredibly friendly, supportive, and always willing to help you grow. Despite the warm atmosphere, the setup is also very professional. The communication is clear, the organisation is well structured, and the feedback you receive is genuinely useful for improving your refereeing. The tournaments are run smoothly and you always feel looked after both on and off the pitch. Whether you’re a new referee looking to build confidence or someone with experience wanting to challenge yourself in a different environment, Referee Abroad is a fantastic opportunity. It’s rare to find a programme that combines professionalism with such an inclusive, family-like community — but this one does exactly that. Highly recommended.+2Posted on Google![]()
Lavinia Curcio1 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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Sanu Joy1 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I enjoyed sharing this experience with young referees , and I also learned a lot from them.+3
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