SINGAPORE, 21 APRIL 2018: The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Under-12 Girls’ Development squad successfully defended their championship in the 2018 Switzerland-Singapore Football Festival. The squad fielded two teams in this year’s tournament held on 21 April at the Kallang field – the title-winning FAS U12 Blue team, and the Red team which finished second runner-up.

 

“The first edition was a pleasant surprise as we participated with a newly formed team, but this year, we are much better prepared for this competition,” said Angeline Chua, who was coaching the team at the tournament.

 

“The regular practice sessions do make a difference as we are able to play the way football should be played on the field.”

 

Other participating schools in the Under-12 Girls category include Telok Kurau Primary, who finished second, Yio Chu Kang Primary, Cedar Primary and NPS International Singapore.

 

Despite having both teams on the podium, Angeline was clear that the focus of this tournament was about growth and development, rather than the results.

 

She commented: “This exchange is important as it allowed the girls to meet different opponents that they don’t play so often. And most importantly, making mistakes and having fun.”

 

“I think this mini-tournament met the objective of giving match time and also for the coaches to see the progress they have made from practice into the game.

 

“Both our teams definitely showed good fighting spirit to battle on the field and forged new friendship with other teams off the field.”

 

Jointly organised by the Embassy of Switzerland and Sport Singapore, the festival aims to promote passion for sports among children from 10 to 12 years old from local and international schools as well as members of the Active SG Football Academy.

 

Ms Sim Ann, Minister of Parliament for the Holland-Bukit Group Representative Constituency, was the guest of honour at the Festival.

 

The tournament brought together 300 junior football players (boys and girls) from both local and international schools accompanied by their parents and supporters.