Just days after the resounding success of the Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon, Klippa Shopping Centre has unveiled another game-changing addition to its vibrant Batu Kawan destination. Come June 2025, Soccer Experience @ Klippa Batu Kawan, Powered by IKEA, will open its doors as a state-of-the-art facility designed to promote community, lifestyle, and healthy living. This marks Soccer Experience’s inaugural venture on mainland Penang, further cementing Klippa’s role as the hub for active living and connectivity.
Largest soccer experience facility to date
Under the leadership of Martin Tierney, the founder of Soccer Experience, the sprawling 200,000-square-foot facility will be the largest in the Soccer Experience portfolio. It boasts two football fields, including a roof-covered field tailored for large-scale events, regular competitions, and individual bookings. Visitors will also enjoy light refreshments, including offerings from IKEA, at the on-site clubhouse. With ample parking facilities, convenience and accessibility are at the forefront of this development.
The facility’s football academy will cater to players of all ages, offering coaching programs, leagues, and tournaments for women, youth, and children. This initiative aims to nurture local talent while fostering inclusivity and inspiring the next generation of Malaysian football stars. Notably, Fergus Tierney, the first Soccer Experience youth player and son of founder Martin Tierney, recently made headlines by scoring his first full international goal for Malaysia. Fergus expressed hope that the facility will ignite passion and ambition among budding footballers in the region.
A austainable vision
Aligned with Klippa’s masterplan for sustainability-focused development, Soccer Experience @ Klippa Batu Kawan incorporates innovative green infrastructure. The facility will repurpose materials from an existing project management office building and include solar energy solutions and rainwater harvesting systems. Additionally, existing trees will be replanted within the grounds, creating a green, eco-friendly environment that complements its community-driven ethos.
Arnoud Bakker, Director of Market Strategy and Real Estate Development at Ikano Centres, emphasized Klippa’s role in fostering a dynamic and active community. “Soccer Experience @ Klippa Batu Kawan is a perfect fit for our vision of creating spaces where people can connect and pursue their passions with friends and family. Following milestones such as the Penang Bridge International Marathon and the opening of Decathlon, we are proud to further champion healthy, active lifestyles through initiatives like this.”
Enriching the community
Martin Tierney expressed his excitement about the facility’s potential to elevate the local sports culture. “We are delighted to bring Soccer Experience to mainland Penang. This facility represents more than just a sports venue; it’s a community-driven space that fosters connections and lasting memories for people of all ages. Our goal is to nurture local talent, promote inclusivity, and inspire a passion for football.”
The facility’s emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability aligns with Klippa’s broader commitment to enhancing the Batu Kawan township. As the heart of Aspen Vision City, Northern Malaysia’s future smart city, Klippa continues to evolve with family-friendly areas, green spaces, and diverse entertainment offerings.
A growing hub for active living
The Soccer Experience facility is one of many initiatives underscoring Klippa’s dedication to community engagement. Recent milestones, such as the October 2024 opening of Decathlon and the Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon, attracted over 22,000 participants from 65 countries, further solidifying Klippa’s reputation as a vibrant community hub. Upcoming additions, including a Caltex petrol station, will enhance convenience for visitors, reinforcing Klippa’s position as the go-to destination in Batu Kawan.
Looking ahead
With Soccer Experience @ Klippa Batu Kawan, Powered by IKEA, Klippa Shopping Centre continues to redefine itself as a cornerstone of the Batu Kawan community. By blending sports, lifestyle, and sustainability, the facility promises to offer unparalleled opportunities for recreation, connection, and growth. This ambitious project is set to inspire and engage residents while contributing to the overall well-being of the region.
