Three years ago, Nur Amelia was just starting to learn how to play football. Today, the 15-year-old Woodlands Secondary School student is preparing to represent Singapore at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, in a journey that called for an embracing of challenges, of belief and whole-hearted commitment – one that continues to ask all that of Amelia.
“When I found out I was selected to represent Singapore, I felt nervous yet excited,” she said with a smile. “It’s a new environment, new people and a new level to challenge myself.”
Amelia’s love for football began when her brother encouraged her to try the sport. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion that saw her take up football as a co-curricular activity when she entered secondary school. And with the guidance of her coach, Ernie Sulastri – former Lionesses’ captain – Amelia, she began developing her skills, confidence and game understanding.
“Coach Ernie has been there since the very beginning,” Amelia said. “She’s always encouraged me and believed in me, even when I doubted myself. She gives me the motivation to train harder and improve every time.”
Photo Courtesy of Nur Amelia
Ernie, who oversees the Woodlands Secondary girls’ team, has seen Amelia’s progress first-hand.
“Her journey has been inspiring,” said the 37-year-old who currently plays for Selangor FC.
“She started through our school’s CCA with no prior experience, but her determination and commitment have been outstanding. I’ve always believed she had the potential, and now she’s ready to take the next step.”
That next step has come even without Amelia playing for a club, a somewhat rare occurrence at this level.
Representing only her school, she has developed through school tournaments, where Woodlands Secondary finished third in the top tier, and through exposure training sessions with Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams.
“I never thought someone with my journey could make it to the national level,” said Amelia.
“But I’ve realised that if you keep working hard, anything is possible.”
Amelia is also grateful to have a familiar face alongside her in the national squad. Her school teammate, Umairah, is part of the same U17 side.
“Having her there really helps, it’s nice to have someone I already know, and it makes adapting to new surroundings much easier,” said Amelia, who is already prepared to embrace the challenge that lies ahead.
“I’m looking forward to playing at a higher level. It’ll be different from school football, but I want to learn new things and grow as a player,” she added.
Amelia has already set herself targets to hit at the Asian Cup qualifying campaign, to work hard and earn a place in the starting eleven. Beyond that, she hopes to keep improving and one day play in the WPL.
When asked what message she has for other young girls just starting out, Amelia smiled and said, “Dream big, because you’ll never know where you’ll go.”
Catch our girls in action in the Asian Cup qualifiers, get your tickets now!
