From Student-Athlete to Steward of the Next Generation

One of Qaasimy’s greatest challenges was leaving home at a young age. Living in boarding pushed him to become independent, resilient and adaptable, but it was the people around him who made the biggest difference. Coaches, teachers and boarding staff became trusted adults who guided him through difficult moments and taught him that success was about far more than sporting results.

Those experiences inspired him to return.

Today, as Senior Manager, Boarding Operations, Qaasimy’s role extends far beyond overseeing the day-to-day running of the boarding house. He mentors student-athletes through the realities of living away from home, balancing school and sport, coping with injuries and disappointments, building discipline and learning to care for one another as a community. Whether it is checking in after a difficult competition, helping a student-athlete overcome homesickness or simply being someone they can turn to, he believes the boarding experience is fundamental to every student-athlete’s development.

“True champions aren’t defined only by trophies and medals, but by the way we carry ourselves every day,” he said.

Sports School was only a year old when Qaasimy joined its second intake. Even then, it was a dream destination for many young athletes.

“It was like the Hogwarts of sports,” he recalled.

Selected from thousands who attended the trials, Qaasimy understood early that earning a place was only the beginning. The opportunity could not be taken for granted. Every training session, lesson and competition was another chance to prove that he deserved to be there. Before joining the School, he had grown up with the familiar belief that football and education were separate pursuits. Sports School showed him that he did not have to choose between them. With specialised coaching, facilities, boarding support and an academic system designed around training and competition, he learnt that excellence in sport and studies could be pursued together.

“If you’re willing to work hard enough, you don’t have to settle for just one dream,” he said.

More than two decades later, he is heartened to see young athletes still drawn to the same opportunities that attracted him and his teammates.

Qaasimy is open about not being the most technically gifted player. He was not the captain or always a regular starter. His journey included poor form, injuries, defeats and time on the bench. Rather than allowing those moments to define him, he used them to strengthen his mindset. Sports psychology sessions taught him to view setbacks as feedback rather than excuses. Instead of dwelling on why something had happened, he learnt to focus on what he could do next.

“Don’t waste energy asking, ‘Why me?’ Ask instead, ‘What am I going to do about it?’”

Football also taught him patience and emotional control. A bad performance did not necessarily mean a bad outcome. Sometimes, an athlete simply had to remain composed, continue believing in the process and be ready when the next opportunity arrived.

“You can have a bad game for 89 minutes, but it’ll take that last minute to win a game,” he said. “Talent did not get me to play in the National Team. Hard work did.”

Representing Singapore fulfilled one of Qaasimy’s greatest ambitions. Wearing the national colours came with immense pride, but also responsibility, especially as captain of the Under-23 national team. It was no longer only about personal achievement. He was representing his family, teammates and the many young footballers who dreamed of receiving the same opportunity.

“Every time I stepped onto the pitch, I reminded myself that I was playing for something much bigger than me,” he said.

The habits formed at Sports School prepared him for the growing demands of adulthood. After graduating, he balanced professional football, university, work, family responsibilities and eventually marriage. He likens the experience to learning to juggle. As more responsibilities are added, greater focus and discipline are needed to keep everything moving. Sports School had taught him not to fear pressure, but to adapt to it.

Today, Qaasimy draws on every stage of his own journey to support the School’s student-athletes. He understands the pressure of competition, the loneliness of being away from home and the uncertainty that comes with chasing ambitious goals because he has lived through them himself.'

He credits many coaches, teachers and boarding staff, including Mr Ramond, Dr Irwin Seet, Coach Ken, Coach Shahrin, Ms Loh See Ping, Ms Felicia New, Ms Lim Hwee Hua and Mr Quintin, for shaping not only the athlete he became, but also the person he is today. Their influence continues to inspire the way he supports the next generation.

Central to that development is boarding, which Qaasimy believes serves a purpose extending far beyond accommodation.

“Training develops the athlete. Academics develop the student. Boarding develops the person.”

Boarding taught him responsibility, respect and adaptability. Living with people from different backgrounds also helped him appreciate different cultures, habits and perspectives. Those experiences shaped him not only as an athlete, but also as a son, friend, husband and leader.

“Sporting success means little if you’re not also a good human being,” he said.

Qaasimy hopes today’s student-athletes will develop the self-discipline, resilience and positive mindset needed to handle both sport and life. His advice is simple. Show up consistently, remain calm under pressure and focus on what can be controlled.

“Life won’t always be fair. You can’t control every circumstance, but you can always control your attitude, your response and your next action.”

From student-athlete to national footballer and now Senior Manager, Boarding Operations, every stage of Qaasimy’s journey has been connected by opportunity, gratitude and service. Sports School gave him the platform to pursue his dreams. Returning allows him to invest in another generation, just as his coaches, teachers and mentors once invested in him.

For the student-athletes walking those corridors today, Qaasimy is proof that he was once where they are now. He faced the same demands, doubts and disappointments, and emerged stronger. Now, he is helping them find their own way forward.