Introduction

For the Ezaads, weekends have become synonymous with football. Emraan, 14, a student at Sengkang Secondary School and a player in the School Football Academy (SFA), and his younger brother, Elmaan, 10, who represents Liverpool FC International Academy (LFCIA) while attending Rivervale Primary School, are both players in the Singapore Youth League (SYL). Together, they’ve discovered friendship, resilience, and self-belief, buoyed by the steadfast support of their family. As the Ezaads open up about their journey, it’s evident that SYL is not just shaping their sons’ skills but also their character, ambitions, and confidence.

The SYL Fam values: Shaping character beyond the pitch

SYL is much more than a football league – it’s a community, a second family for young players, coaches, and supporters. Known as the “SYL Fam,” this close-knit community encourages values that extend well beyond the game: discipline, resilience, respect, and teamwork. For the Ezaads, these SYL Fam values resonate deeply, and they believe that the league’s emphasis on family support and positive reinforcement has been instrumental in their sons’ journey.

With their family cheering them on, Emraan and Elmaan have grown up surrounded by encouragement. The Ezaads celebrate every victory, talk through every setback, and cheer from the sidelines. This love and support have been essential in helping the boys thrive on and off the pitch. With this backing, the boys have gained resilience, learning that, whether they win or lose, they are surrounded by people who believe in them and in the importance of their dreams.

Emraan and Elmaan’s growth in SYL

As a U15 player, Emraan balances the demands of school with rigorous football training. Thanks to his family’s guidance and a structured schedule, he has developed a deep sense of discipline and resilience. “It’s not easy!” he admits, but with SYL’s regular matches and the unwavering support of his “village” – family, coaches, friends, and teachers – he’s found his stride. This “village” reflects the broader network of people committed to his growth, embodying the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” From supportive voices during practice to cheers from the stands, this community has played a vital role in Emraan’s journey. His favourite memory? Scoring a free-kick that was shared on SYL’s TikTok page – a proud moment he’ll carry with him

For Elmaan, SYL has offered the chance to explore his strengths, develop his courage, and find his place on the field. As a goalkeeper, he faced initial nerves, but one of his most cherished memories was scoring a penalty, a feat that gave him a massive boost of confidence. “It felt amazing to score as a goalie!” he beams. Both on the pitch and at school, where he shares stories of his matches with classmates, his confidence continues to grow. His journey exemplifies that, in SYL, every player, regardless of position or age, has the chance to be brave, excel, and celebrate their achievements.

The Ezaads’ support for their sons’ football journey has transformed their weekends and brought them even closer. “Our weekends revolve around football now,” they say, clearly proud of their boys’ progress. SYL has spurred growth in both boys, physically and mentally. With each match, Emraan and Elmaan learn to handle both triumphs and setbacks with grace, setting personal goals and working hard to meet them. “Now, they prepare on their own, from packing kits to reviewing their performance,” says their mum, Julie. This newfound independence reflects just how much their passion for the sport has deepened.

The Ezaads also appreciate how SYL offers players exposure to diverse teams, inspiring Emraan and Elmaan to push their boundaries. “SYL’s platform stretches the boys’ potential and gives coaches the chance to recognise their abilities, which is fantastic for their development,” notes their father. Football, they’ve come to realise, is not just about playing; it’s about building character and learning to reach new heights.

Opportunities and aspirations for the future

SYL has encouraged both boys to step out of their comfort zones. For Elmaan, this means learning to trust his instincts as a goalkeeper. For Emraan, who dreams of playing professionally, it’s the chance to grow as both a player and a leader. “When you grow with your team, you grow as a person too,” he reflects. This wisdom he has gained speaks volumes about his journey.

Like many parents, the Ezaads dream of seeing their sons pursue their ambitions and make a mark. “Every parent hopes to see their child fulfil their dreams, and SYL is helping them develop the resilience, responsibility, and respect they need to succeed,” shares their mother. Football, they feel, is equipping Emraan and Elmaan with life skills that will serve them well, no matter where life takes them.

Suggestions for SYL’s future

While the Ezaads are grateful for SYL, they see potential for further improvements. They suggest holding an end-of-season feedback session to help players refine their skills and give parents valuable insights into their children’s progress. Additionally, they recommend SYL raise awareness around proper nutrition, possibly through engaging TikTok content, to teach young athletes how to fuel themselves for peak performance.

Looking ahead: Hopes for Emraan and Elmaan

As Emraan and Elmaan continue their journey, the Ezaads remain by their side, offering encouragement and support. Emraan dreams of following in his grandfather’s footsteps, hoping to make his family proud, while Elmaan is determined to one day play at Anfield. Their friendly sibling rivalry – where the week’s losing player tackles the dishes – keeps them motivated. Although the road ahead may be long, with SYL and their family’s support, these young players are learning that each challenge is a step closer to their dreams.

Wrapping it up!

The journey of Emraan and Elmaan is a testament to the strength of family, community, and perseverance. SYL is not just helping young players improve their football skills; it’s helping them grow into well-rounded individuals. Through unwavering encouragement, dedication, and the support of their “village,” these boys are learning what it means to pursue their dreams with passion, resilience, and heart. As a key part of the Unleash The Roar! (UTR!) project, SYL is pivotal to Singapore’s long-term strategy to reignite its love for football, offering pathways for young talent to flourish and skills that extend far beyond the game.

Reflecting on the broader vision, Minister Edwin Tong remarked: “Unleash The Roar! is a long-term journey. For it to work, we need the collective belief and contributions of our football community to truly make an impact.” This is the spirit embodied by SYL, inspiring a new generation of youth ready to face challenges, lead with character, and dream big.