SINGAPORE, 27 AUGUST 2025 – In May this year, a briefing was held at Jalan Besar Stadium for all Singapore-based U17 shortlisted players. The purpose of the briefing was to highlight the main target for this year, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers scheduled for November 2025.
As part of the preparation, the players in attendance were apprised of the training camps and tournaments lined up prior to November. In particular, the players were told of the proposed training camp scheduled from 6 to 14 September 2025 as this was the week of MOE official school holidays.
Given the emphasis on the U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, the players were also asked for their total commitment in relation to the training camps and tournaments lined up.
Players were told that they were required to commit to the following:
- Training camp in Bangkok (21-29 June 2025)
- Lion City Cup (8-13 July 2025)
- Overseas Training Camps (6-14 September 2025) & (11-21 November 2025)
- AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers (22-30 Nov 2025)
This is on top of a weekly commitment of five days a week for training and matches.
However, the FAS was also cognizant of the fact that a number of the U17 players would be undergoing either the “N” or “O” Level examinations towards the latter part of the year. It was made clear to all players that the preparation for the tournament will be highly intense and that a high level of self-discipline will be required to achieve a good balance between preparing for both the tournament and the examinations.
To this end, the players were tasked to communicate with their parents as to their level of commitment expected and to confirm their ability to be present for each and every training camp and/or tournament. For players who subsequently felt unable or unwilling to commit fully, it was made clear that their decision would be respected but they would not be considered for selection for the U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.
However, for players who chose to commit fully to the journey, it was also made clear that they would be expected to take their examinations without any special dispensation. Study periods would be scheduled into their training programs for the training camps, particularly the September training camp.
They were also advised that they would have to be disciplined and make sacrifices on their personal time to prepare for their studies when they are not training.
The players and their families were informed of these requirements months in advance for their planning purposes; and not a surprise for them. It was also made clear that no exceptions will be made for any individual players.
Football is a team sport. Any form of absence will inadvertently affect the training conditions and environment, ultimately leading to sub-optimal preparation for an official elite level competition at the Asian level. To fly the Singapore flag at such a major stage, 100% commitment is expected from the players.
We value the commitment and dedication of our young players and their families. We appreciate the sacrifices both players and their familiar make in the pursuit of personal and national interest. The pathway to elite sports is not for everyone, but to ensure that Singapore mount a credible campaign at the U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, we have to prioritise the collective needs of the team instead of individuals.
We will not hesitate to continue to act in the best interests of Singapore football.
