Enriching Experience In Thailand Key To Footballers’ Development

The Under-13s participated in the Nonthaburi Asia Youth Cup 2024 from 24 to 29 July 2024. They secured an impressive 3rd place against Thai and Japanese teams. The tournament was an incredible first overseas trip experience as a team, providing our players with the chance to face and learn from prominent teams.

Micheal Toh Chun Yen shared his reflection on the trip: “The day I learnt that the Secondary 1s were going to represent Singapore Sports School to compete in an Asian Youth tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, I was filled with nerves and excitement.  After all, it was our inaugural trip as a team to compete with some of the top Thai and Japanese teams in an overseas tournament.  It was something that I was looking very forward to.  We trained hard with our coaches in preparation for the tournament. 

During the three-day tournament, we faced different Thai and Japanese teams.  Despite the scorching heat, we never gave up and pressured the opponents and ended up being second in our group stage to move on to the finals.  After an intense finals, we achieved 3rd placing in the tournament.  We were exhausted yet exhilarated by the result.

Overall, it was an interesting and eye-opening experience for me.  Despite being sunburnt and fatigue, I was very happy to get to know more friends from the different teams.  Language was not a barrier as we sat by the hotel corridor and communicated with the Japanese players using Google Translate.  We talked about football and how we all want to be professional players someday.  One of the teams even gave us little gifts as token of goodwill.  It was also a humbling experience for me as I can see where I stand in terms of standards and skills.  I am thankful to the coaches for their guidance and faith in our team.  I am also grateful to the tremendous support from the parents cheerleaders.  I will continue to work harder and definitely looking forward to the next tournament.”

The Under-15s went to Thailand for a training camp that took place from 22 to 27 July 2024, which saw 24 eager young players testing their skills and learning valuable lessons against formidable opponents.

Secondary 3 footballer, Aaryan Ishmael Erfandy, shared details about the teams they faced. "We had the opportunity to play against Samut Prakan FC, Prime Bangkok FC, Chonburi FC, and Bangkok Christian College. Each team presented unique challenges and styles of play, making the experience incredibly enriching. The intensity and physicality of these matches were eye-opening for our team, providing us with a first-hand look at the competitive nature of Thai football.”

Throughout the four matches played, our young footballers gleaned numerous insights. "The games were incredibly fast-paced, and the Thai players showed remarkable speed and determination," Aaryan noted. "From our opponents, we learned the importance of maintaining high energy levels, quick decision-making, and relentless pursuit of the ball."

The role of the coaches was crucial in navigating these challenging matches. Another Secondary 3 student-athlete Miguel Alexandro Garcia emphasised their importance. "Our coaches were constantly motivating us, providing instructions from the sidelines, and giving us feedback during halftime to help us compete better. This guidance helped the team adapt and improve their performance throughout the trip.”

Throughout the 6 days training camp, the differences in playing styles and qualities of the Thai teams were notable. "The teams we faced were very fast and physically strong," Miguel observed. "I was impressed by how they moved the ball and their forward runs, which made it difficult to track them." Secondary 2 student-athlete Anders Lum added, "It was their communication, teamwork, and fighting spirit that stood out. Even when losing, they showed determination and the desire to play good football."

The experience in Thailand was transformative for many players. Aaryan expressed how the trip broadened his perspective. "It taught me the value of a strong mentality and focusing on fundamentals. I plan to adopt the Thai mentality of relentless pursuit and dedication in my own training." Miguel echoed this sentiment, saying, "This trip made me realise I need to work harder. I'll use this experience as motivation to improve and reach my goals in football." Anders also found the trip beneficial, saying, "It taught me that desire and determination can help you win, even if your technique isn't the best."

The Singapore Sports School Under-15 team's trip to Thailand was more than just a series of matches. It was a learning journey that has left a lasting impact on these young athletes. With renewed determination and valuable lessons learned, they are poised to take their training and performance to the next level. As they continue to develop their skills, the future looks bright for these promising footballers.