TCJ Challenge Trophy reaches out to needy kids

Aug 28, 2016 06:00 am

More than 50 children from low-income families had an opportunity to interact with footballers from Geylang International Football Club (GIFC) at the inaugural Tan Chuan-Jin Challenge (TCJ) trophy at SAFRA Tampines yesterday.

Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC (Kembangan-Chai Chee), and Edwin Tong, MP for Marine Parade GRC (Joo Chiat), graced the event.

In partnership with Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Sports Club, the organisers of the TCJ Challenge Trophy 2016 aim to promote bonding and cohesion through the game and encourage participants to pursue their football dreams through interaction with professional players.

"Really happy to see the kids enjoying themselves. Sports, especially team sports like soccer, teach valuable life skills which, if they internalise, will help them succeed in life," said Mr Tan.

Hasrin Jailani, head coach of GIFC, and first-team players such as Mark Hartmann, Nor Azli and Carlos Delgado met participants prior to the competition to offer pointers on playing five-a-side matches.

Winning teams can look forward to a closed-door training session with Valencia CF Soccer Schools in Singapore.