The Singapore Youth League Girls 2024 (U10 & U12) kicked off with great success, bringing together young female footballers from across the region. Over two weekends, July 7th and 14th, the league saw close to 150 young athletes showcasing their talent, passion, and sportsmanship at St Wilfred Field. This all-girls league marks an important step in promoting and nurturing female football talent in Singapore

From the early morning hours, the enthusiasm was contagious as 13 teams took to the field, eager to demonstrate their skills and teamwork. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers from supportive parents, enthusiastic coaches, and a community united in their love for the beautiful game. For many of these young athletes, this event was more than just a competition; it was an opportunity to be part of a growing movement supporting girls in football.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the tournament was the display of humility and sportsmanship among the players. In one memorable match, two players collided and fell, but without hesitation, they helped each other up, embodying the spirit of the game and the values that the SYL strives to instil. Such moments highlight the importance of respect, kindness, and camaraderie in sports, values that go beyond the pitch and resonate in everyday life. singaporeyouthleague (@singaporeyouthleague) | TikTok

Player Insights

One of the participants shared her excitement, saying, “It was so much fun and exciting! I loved playing with my friends and competing against other teams.” Another young player reflected on her favourite moment: “My favourite moment was when I scored a goal in the final match. It was such a proud moment for me, and my teammates were cheering me on. It felt amazing!”

Coaches’ Perspective

The coaches were equally enthusiastic. One coach mentioned, “We focused a lot on teamwork and communication. The girls trained hard, and we worked on different strategies to improve their game. It was important for them to understand that playing together as a team is key to success.” Looking ahead, another coach added, “It’s a fantastic idea! Longer games will give the girls more time to develop their skills and enjoy the game. It shows that SYL is committed to supporting and growing girls’ football in Singapore.”

Speaking of teamwork, here’s an emoji challenge that we had on the day! singaporeyouthleague (@singaporeyouthleague) | TikTok

Parents’ Experience

Parents, too, were thrilled with the event. One parent shared, “It’s been wonderful! Seeing my daughter play and have so much fun is heartwarming. The atmosphere was great, and it was amazing to see so many girls passionate about football.” Reflecting on future plans, another parent said, “I think it’s a great move. More opportunities for the girls to play will definitely help them grow and improve. It also encourages more girls to take up football, knowing there’s a supportive community for them.”

A Special Thank You

A heartfelt thanks to our Unleash The Roar! overseas scholarship recipients, Ardha, Chloe, Kyra, Natasha, and Yasmine, for gracing the event to cheer the girls on. Their presence made the day even more special.💞

Insights from UTR! Overseas Scholarship Recipients

Our UTR! overseas scholarship recipients shared some valuable insights with the young athletes. One recipient remarked, “It’s a great initiative to give girls more exposure at such a young age. You need passion, you need a reason to strive, you need something that keeps you motivated every single day.” They emphasised the importance of key qualities: “The top three qualities you need are discipline, hard work, and resilience.” Another piece of advice was, “I think you need an open mind because sometimes things don’t go your way, but you just have to trust the process.” @singaporeyouthleague • Instagram photos and videos

Looking ahead, there are plans to expand this all-girls category with longer games in 2025, providing even more opportunities for young female footballers to develop their skills and enjoy the sport they love. Watch this space!