A new programme offering free football training and academic support to vulnerable youths living in Singapore’s South East District will be launched in mid-2026, as part of a broader effort to build confidence, life skills, and educational resilience among at-risk youth.
Organised by the South East Community Development Council (CDC), the initiative will use football as an entry point to engage youths, while providing holistic support tailored to their personal and academic needs.
The programme was previewed on Dec 13 with the district’s first Football Clinic @ South East, held at Bedok Green Primary School. More than 30 youths, aged 12 to 16, took part in the three-hour session, which combined basic football training, drills, and friendly matches.
Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower, and Mayor of South East District Dinesh Vasu Dash, who attended the event and interacted with participants, said football helps instil discipline, resilience and teamwork – qualities that are equally important in the classroom.
The clinic, he added, is part of a long-term strategy to support youths who face challenges in school or come from difficult family circumstances.
“While football training is where the journey begins, the ultimate goal is academic support,” he said. “By bringing youths together through sport, we want to spark their interest, build confidence, and create a pathway towards better educational outcomes.”
The programme will begin with a small group of participants, allowing organisers to focus deeply on the challenges each youth faces. These challenges, Mr Dinesh noted, are often multidimensional and may require the involvement of various partners.
The football clinic was supported by Eltraco International Group and Bosses United Singapore, while training was led by experienced coaches, including former national footballer Fandi Ahmad.
Addressing the youths at the end of the session, Mr Fandi reminded them that even those aspiring to play football professionally must prioritise rest and their studies.
Among the participants was 12-year-old Easwar Kharthign, a Primary 6 pupil from Bedok Green Primary School, who said the clinic helped him make new friends and gain confidence.
“When I made mistakes, the coaches didn’t scold me. Instead, they showed me how to improve and encouraged me,” he said. “Meeting Mr Fandi, playing with him and getting his autograph on my jersey made me really happy.”
Mr Easwar, who will be entering secondary school next year, also drew parallels between football and studying.
“If you miss a goal in football, you try again. In the same way, if you don’t understand a question in your studies, you should keep trying until you get the answer,” he said.
The South East CDC plans to organise more football clinics in the coming months to build a strong pipeline of participants. It also aims to work closely with schools, social service agencies, and education providers to integrate academic coaching, mentoring, and character development into the programme.
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27 Nov 2025 14:33
