By Keegan Gan

Our local lads getting on with their kickabout at the FIFA Grassroots Coaching programme held at Republic Polytechnic. (Photo 1 © Keegan Gan/Red Sports

Coaches will emphasise playing football for fun as the best way to learn the sport. (Photo 1 © Keegan Gan/Red Sports)

vision 2030 live better through sports

Republic Polytechnic, Friday, December 6, 2013 – 30 local football coach-educators recently attended a course that taught them how to teach children aged six to 12 years to play football for fun as the best way of learning the sport.

The course had theoretical and practical sessions that showed them how to teach football through encouragement and achievement. It was conducted by Mr Samuel Schweingruber, a FIFA instructor based in Cambodia.

This is the fourth annual FIFA Grassroots Course and Festival held by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).

After the course, a festival featuring small-sided games and skill development drills were conducted for more than 100 junior players.

Come 2014, some of the coach-educators will conduct junior football programmes in collaboration with the Singapore Sports Council’s (SSC) rebranded network of Super Sports Clubs, ActiveSG. The Super Sports Club concept is a recommendation of Vision 2030.

These programmes will focus on providing children aged 12 years and below with playing opportunities and enjoyable experiences in football.

“Even as a former footballer, this course has improved my understanding of the game and provided me with different ideas on how to deliver structured football programmes for children,” said former Home United player Adi Saleh, who attended the course.

“With the right guidance and educational approach, children can enjoy and learn certain values from the sport at the same time. While I just got my certification, I’m already looking forward to apply what I have learnt through this course at the upcoming ActiveSG football programme for kids.”

As for the participants and their parents, this is what some of them has to say:

“Well done to FIFA and FAS! It was well organised and the coaches have done a great job to make their stations fun and energetic despite the drizzle.” – Mdm Wahidah, Mother of Fahmy Hakeem, U12s.

“I enjoyed myself. Nice to play together with fellow players from other JCOE centres. I’ve make new friends!” – Md Naufal Taib, U10s.