Can Singapore produce elite football players?

This is not a piece of commentary about Budget 2013—but in the context of elite sport, community development, and football—it is encouraging that sport participation is becoming an increasingly important part of daily life.

But, without doubt, football is the top dog in Singapore sports. Why else would Starhub and Singtel battle it out for the EPL rights? Why else would Manchester United consider an IPO here? Singaporeans care about football, the players, and the teams. But can Singaporean players make it to the big time?

In terms of national pride an elite Singaporean footballer would be a significant achievement. Look at the ongoing impact Fandi Ahmad has had on Singaporean football and the passionate local fan-base. But in terms of sports business having someone make the step up is vital—the marketing, engagement with youth, the common idol to support. These are things which pull in sponsors, provide funds for sports development, give players and coaches’ viable incomes, and create a culture of success.

Think of the benefits for the professional club (local or international), who find and develop this player. Singapore would truly become their second home. And the commercial opportunities would be enormous.

But this brings us back to the question: can Singapore produce an international-level elite player?

Yes. Undoubtedly. And although the vast majority of people don’t see it, I believe this step is not far off. However, I also believe people are looking in the wrong places as to where this superstar will come from. The future lies in youth and coaches. 

The seven and eight year old kids running around every weekend are where the talent is hidden. I know this because in my short time in Singapore I have already placed two highly talented children on trials with Blackburn Rovers (in the UK) and Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)—and that is no easy process. 

So if there is talent, how do we realise its potential? Does Singapore have the right resources?

It is worth looking at other countries of a similar size for encouragement. Let’s take New Zealand, a country of 4.5 million people (and with far less financial resources), that is often benchmarked against Singapore. New Zealand was undefeated at the 2010 football World Cup. Serbia, with a population of roughly seven million is one of the biggest football ‘exporters’ in Europe, with their players plying their trade in all the major leagues. So simply, what’s the difference? Space? Culture? Facilities?

In football, or in any sport, it is access to elite coaching—especially in the developmental years that makes world class champions. Think about it this way: if an 8-year-old kid skips years one, two, and three at school, will they be able to compete against their peers in year four? Of course not! It is the same in football. There are things you can be taught, and that can you learn, when you are seven, eight, nine, and ten….that can be repeated over and over again—every single time you train, until they become second nature. This is where the biggest ‘returns on investment’ come from.
And European players, clubs, and national sporting bodies recognise the huge benefits in developing junior players. Many clubs in Europe have this as a business model, selling junior talent throughout Europe. FC Partizan Belgrade, a well known team from Serbia, sells young players from their academy for over SG$50 million every year! Partizan, however, scout players when they are six or seven years old! They back these players up with a team of elite coaches whose sole role is to teach players proper work habits, discipline, and the basics of football strategy and style. These coaches stick to a particular group of players for 5-10 years before only two or three out of the original (hand-picked) squad of 30 can be moved into Europe’s professional leagues. It is youth sport that really deserves funding and attention if success is the desired outcome.

Singapore’s community sports facilities are fantastic. There are more tracks, football schools, and swimming pools which are easily accessible to the public in Singapore. There is a great base already in place here.

The Singaporean football talent out there is huge, passionate, and promising. But without top quality coaches it can only go so far. This gives me great hope, because the solutions are already in existence. And Singapore, more than anywhere, deserves a local hero playing at the top level.