Grassroots ● Sep 20, 2023
First session of revived FAS Girls Cubs Programme draws 140 participants
FAS Girls Cub resumed this year, September 2023.
SINGAPORE, 20 SEPTEMBER 2023 – On September 10th, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) resumed the FAS Girls Cub Programme to a great start. With an impressive turnout of 140 enthusiastic participants, 16 grassroots coaches with the support of four ActiveSG Football Academy coaches, and a special appearance by seven National Women’s Team players at Jalan Besar Stadium, the horizon of women’s football gleamed with promise and potential.
First established in 2015 as an extension of the Cubs programme, the grassroots football development programme is aimed to promote football and increase participation among girls between the ages of eight and 12, in the sport through play. The girls progressed through various stations that focused on teaching both fundamental and technical skills, including small-sided games, 1v1 drills, and ball mastery exercises.
The event also received positive feedback from parents whose children participated. Ms Syahidah Kamarudin noted that it served as a refreshing break for her 12-year-old daughter, Aliyah Farhan, allowing her to step away from the stress of her studies.
National player Farhanah Ruhaizat (in red jersey) with participants, September 2023.
Having been a part of the FAS Girls Cubs program previously, Ms Syahidah shared that her daughter thoroughly enjoyed the event despite the scorching weather: “She met new friends, picked up some tips from the coaches and had a good run out. She also caught up with some familiar faces that she has lost touch with.”
Ms Syahidah added that such programmes like this will contribute greatly to growing the talent pool of the sport in Singapore among women in the future: “With proper exposure of this program, we can increase our talent pool as it gives more opportunities for girls to play regular football under good guidance. In the long run, with more girls picking up football, we have a bigger depth of talents to choose from to represent Singapore.”
Coach Maslinda Sabtu (left), September 2023.
For grassroots coach Maslinda Sabtu, she was pleased to witness the overwhelming enthusiasm among the girls, especially so for those who have never played the sport before: “It was a good experience seeing many girls participating in this program. It shows that football is still popular among Singaporeans. Some of the participants have never kicked a ball before but they tried their best! Regardless, I am happy to see their enthusiasm and passion over football”.
Coach Maslinda praised the event as a “safe environment” for girls to play and encourage more parents to sign their daughter up for the programme: “This program is a platform for them to explore football in a safe environment and within their comfort zone as the program is catered for girls only. I’m also very sure with more practice and exposure, the participants will soon be good at football, and hopefully become professional players in the future.”
This installment of the FAS Girl Cubs programme will serve as a lead-up towards the FAS U12 Girls Festival, September 2023.
