Footballers Unleash The Roar

Unleash The Roar! Campaign

During the 1990s, football was the most popular sport that rallied Singaporeans from all walks of life when the “Dream Team” consistently topped the table in the Malaysia Cup. Crowds gathered at the National Stadium in full capacity to do the Kallang Roar, which unified Singaporeans and instilled national pride.

To bring back the glorious days, a new national project known as Unleash The Roar was announced by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Community, Youth and Sport. The whole-of-society project built on eight pillars which would see the adoption of a national football curriculum, the establishment of school football academies and an elite league as well as enhanced coaching support and scholarships for players who wish to pursue a career in football.

Singapore Sports School supports the national vision to uplift football, and will actively leverage the unique features and values offered by the School to further the national project. Principal Mr Ong Kim Soon shared, “As a national sports academy of excellence, Sports School has an important role to play in developing the pipeline of national athletes, including football talents. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to align our goals, strengthen the football programme within Sports School, and do more community outreach, to boost interest in football, and the aspirations of football enthusiasts.”

To instil an interest in football among young children, Sports School has also been operating as one of ActiveSG’s Development Centres. It has been conducting football training for primary school children between 10 and 12 years old. Moving forward, Sports School plans to extend its outreach by conducting additional “Learn to Play” programmes for younger children. It will also work with primary schools and grassroots organisations to reach out to lower-income families to give them the opportunity to participate in the programme. This will further expand opportunities for more children to experience and enjoy football from a younger age.

Females interested in football can also apply to the school under the Individual Programme, upon recommendation by their club or FAS. Football talents are also encouraged to join the school mid-way of their secondary or post-secondary education to take advantage of the school’s academic and athlete-life support.

Mr Muhammad Hasyim Hassan, whose two sons Andy Reefqy (Secondary 1) and Adam Reefdy (DBIZ Year 1), study at Sports School feels encouraged by the nation’s move towards greater support for footballers. A former footballer himself, and an avid football fan himself, he said, “Having two sons with a dream of playing in the national squad, it assuring to know there will be more structure and commitment to get the entire sports ecosystem to work together to elevate the standard of Singapore football. This will greatly benefit my sons and their aspirations.”

Just a few days later, the Football Academy celebrated another good news – eight out of 24 players that were called for national team training by national coach Tatsuma Yoshida have been nurtured at Sports School. Muhammad Nur Adam Abdullah, a current Year 3 student-athlete in Diploma in Sport Management, is among the new players that has been invited to train in the national squad. He has made history as the first current student-athlete to be inducted into the national team. Adam who plays for Lion City Sailors, expressed that his is a “dream-come-true” for him. He said, “For every aspiring footballer, being part of the national team is a milestone they would want to achieve. This is not an opportunity that many would have, and so I am extremely grateful to be recognised and be given a chance to gain this experience.” Adam hopes to become a household name in Singapore, and eventually also have the opportunity play abroad for enhance his football development, and bring a good name to the nation.