January 21, 2009 – The Football Association of Singapore will conduct open trials for its Junior Centre of Excellence programme in a move to reach talented young players.

The trials will be for the Under-8, Under-10 and Under-12 squads.

In Singapore, parents play a significant part in steering their children into sport and unfortunately, many talented young local-born players are lost to the national cause because parents do not consider football a viable career.

By the time a talented youth footballer hits university or national service, his thoughts are usually on studies and career.

Currently, the youngest age group FAS caters for is the Under-14 squad and this is the first time they are expanding to reach a much younger cohort.

Given that technical skills need to be taught from a young age, this move by FAS is laudable.

The Under-8 and Under-10 trials will be held on Saturday 31 January at 8.00am and 4.00pm respectively. The Under-12 trial will be held on Sunday 1 February at 8.00am.

All three trials will be held at the open field adjacent to the Tampines Stadium.

The trials are open only to Singapore citizens.

All trialists are to report at least 30 minutes before the start of the trials and are also requested to bring along their own training attire (jerseys, shorts, socks, boots and shin pads are compulsory).

What: Junior COE Under-8 trials
When: Saturday 31 January 2009
Where: Open field adjacent to Tampines Stadium
Time: 8.00am Junior COE Under-10 trials
When: Saturday 31 January 2009
Where: Open field adjacent to Tampines Stadium
Time: 4.00pm
Who: Singaporean males born in 1999 and 2000

What: Junior COE Under-12 trials
When: Sunday 1 February 2009
Where: Open field adjacent to Tampines Stadium
Time: 8.00am
Who: Singaporean males born in 1997 and 1998