Young Footballers Rise to the Challenge

Written By
Izz Fitras Zulhilmi
Football Academy, Secondary 1

From 2 April to 5 April 2026, I went to Kluang with the Football Academy. It was my first trip with the Academy, not only with the Secondary 1, but including the Secondary 2 and 3 Football Academy mates. It wasn’t just about football—it was about team bonding and experiencing something new together.

One of the highlights was playing against Malaysian teams, Johor Sports School and JDT-DTC. The matches were intense and fast-paced, and we really had to stay sharp. It felt different playing against teams with different styles, and it challenged me to think quicker and make better decisions on the field. Even when the games got tough, we kept encouraging each other and never gave up.

Off the pitch, we spent a lot of time together as a team, which made us closer. Whether during meals, on bus rides, or while relaxing, it helped build our team spirit. I realised that teamwork is not just about playing well together during matches, but also about supporting each other outside the game. We had a lot of fun during our team bonding activities.

From this trip, I learnt how I can improve my communication in the field, learnt to stay composed under pressure, and understood the importance of discipline, like being on time and taking care of my recovery. I also learnt that small things, like staying focused and making simple passes, can make a big difference in a match.

Overall, this trip made me more confident as a player and as part of a team. I am really looking forward to more overseas trips with the Football Academy where I can continue to challenge myself, improve my skills, and compete against strong teams.

Most importantly, this trip showed that we’re not just teammates—we’ve got each other’s backs on and off the pitch. This trip also helped us connect more with our coaches, and it made the whole team feel more united.

Our footballers stayed sharp on home ground in the Singapore Youth League, stepping up as the competition gathered pace. They put in the work, matched the tempo, and came away with hard-earned results. Beyond the scorelines, each match served its purpose, sharpening instincts, building chemistry, and shaping their growth as players.

SYL April Results

U13