By MP for Aljunied GRC, Muhamad Faisal bin Abdul Manap
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 12 March 2015]
In 1998, former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong laid out his vision for Singapore football. Goal 2010 was born. It provided a concrete and tangible indicator for the Singapore national men’s football team to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals. This goal however was not attained.
We need to move forward and work towards achieving future success for Singapore football, I would like the Minister to update the House on FAS’s goal for Singapore football and whether at present there is any master plan or roadmap being drawn up. I would also like to have further updates on FAS’ three main initiatives, namely (i) the National Football Academy and Centres of Excellence, (ii) the Foreign Talent Scheme and (iii) FAS’ Youth Development programme.
In paving the way ahead for Singapore football for future and sustained excellence, I would like to suggest placing more emphasis on the ongoing efforts in grooming young Singaporean footballers. A fresh injection of passion and enthusiasm in the management of our inter-schools football tournament, especially the ‘A’ and ‘B’ divisions would be timely at this stage. I would like to propose that greater public attention be paid to the annual inter-school football tournament. This can take the form of a TV program covering the entire tournament with an eye to televising some of the crucial matches. This would most certainly create interest, enhance the motivation of our young players and increase followers to local youth football.
Indeed, such a practice is not new. College sports such as American football and Basketball are widely televised in the States and these institutions have been a rich source and pipeline for the production of many of the household names in American sports. I hope Singapore can do the same and bring our footballing standards to greater heights in the years ahead.