As the Singapore Youth League (SYL) continues to lead the way in youth football development, coaching excellence through continuous learning and upgrading remains paramount. This July, we are excited to share our first-ever SYL editorial piece. What better way to launch this series than to share the transformational journey of our pioneer 22 coaches who have engaged in the FAS/AFC ‘C’ Diploma (SG-Coach Level 1 Full Integration) Coaching Course—one of the critical features of the Academy Accreditation System.

Value of ongoing learning

Central to the mission of SYL is the knowledge that adequately prepared coaches are the key to effective player development. On 25th June 2024, the FAS/AFC ‘C’ Diploma course kicked off with the help of head coach developer Coach Musawir and assistant coach developer Coach Nazri at the Kallang Football Hub. This structured course is intended to furnish our coaches with footballing knowledge and instil in them the thirst for learning.

Academy Accreditation System (AAS) and its pillars

The AAS is a comprehensive framework designed to raise the standards of football coaching and development in Singapore. It is supported by four main pillars, with “Coaching Development” being one of its cornerstones. This initiative provides a two-year runway for SYL coaches to meet the enhanced expectations of graded football licences and SYL Coaching Qualifications. This alignment ensures that our coaching standards match those of current club Centre of Excellence (COE) coaching standards. Hence, developing and introducing courses like the FAS/AFC ‘C’ Diploma is essential.

Unveiling the journey: interviews with coaches

To provide a clearer view of how this course impacted the coaches, we conducted interviews with some participants. Here are their insights:

What inspired you to undertake the FAS/AFC ‘C’ Diploma Coaching Course?

Coach Aidil: “I have always had a passion for football and coaching. This course provides a pathway by which one’s skills and knowledge can be properly developed. I was very motivated to take up the opportunity to learn from highly experienced professionals and apply new techniques to my SYL team.”

How do you think this course will impact your coaching style?

Coach Nurhaizal: “This course provides insights into both theoretical and practical worlds. I believe it will make my coaching style more holistically considerate—better understanding and thus able to address the needs of my players. It will help me become more strategic in my approach.”

Coach Saddique: “Many takeaways which could be shared with my fellow coaches.”

“I have always had a passion for football and coaching. This course provides a pathway by which one’s skills and knowledge can be properly developed. I was very motivated to take up the opportunity to learn from highly experienced professionals and apply new techniques to my SYL team.”

The role of the Academy Accreditation System (AAS)

The AAS takes on the responsibility of ensuring the quality of coaching to the highest standards within the SYL. In partnering with the FAS/AFC ‘C’ Diploma course, the AAS ensures that our coaches are not just well-versed but also competent in the ability to carry out practical training methodologies based on international standards.

Unleashing the Roar: SYL’s broader vision

The SYL’s vision is part of a more significant national initiative known as the “Unleash the Roar” project. This project seeks to bring the standards of football in Singapore to a higher level by nurturing young talent and offering top-notch coaching. Through continuous learning and upgrading, the coaches in SYL have undergone many positive changes and have been able to impart more effective training, inspiring their young talents to develop into potential football stars.

Positive changes and future aspirations

Benefits of the FAS/AFC ‘C’ Diploma course have exceeded the professional growth of coaches. The skills and knowledge they learn are directly applicable to their jobs within the SYL, leading to more effective training sessions and improved player performance. The development of coaches has been credited to their drive for excellence.

What are your goals after completing this diploma?

Coach Sathiaraj: “My main objective is implementing new strategies I learned to enhance my team’s performance. I also want to impart my knowledge to the other coaches at my club to elevate the standard of coaching altogether.”

Coach Nurhaizal: “This is a stepping stone for me to be one step closer toward achieving my B license and, subsequently, my A and Pro licenses. “I hope to coach an SPL team in the future.”

Conclusion

Our SYL coaches’ progression through the FAS/AFC ‘C’ Diploma journey truly epitomises this commitment to a lifelong learning and upgrading culture. By furthering the studies of our coaches, SYL not only enhances the quality of our coaching but also propels the holistic vision underpinning the broader “Unleash the Roar” endeavour. And so, with eagerness to track the positive ramifications on both coaches and players, we will keep believing in fostering a culture of excellence within our football environment that collectively cradles Singapore. Let’s continue supporting and encouraging our SYL Coaches as they step up on the initial step to greatness!

Coaches interviewed:

Coach Aidil (Flair Football Academy)

Coach Nurhaizal (F17 Academy)

Coach Saddique (Bukit Batok East CSN)

Coach Sathiaraj (Singapore Khalsa Association)