More to come for ActiveSG Football Academy's kids
ActiveSG Football Academy's opening run, which lasted throughout the June school holidays, concluded with a friendly competition at the Serangoon Stadium yesterday.
There were 312 children - aged six to 12 - who participated in the programme at five venues - Jurong East, Queenstown, Serangoon and Woodlands Stadiums and the Kallang Cricket Field.
Among them was Nan Hua Primary School pupil Aloysius Pang. The 12-year-old attended training sessions helmed by Home United assistant coach Robin Chitrakar at the Queenstown Stadium.
Aloysius' father Edwin told The New Paper: "My son has a passion for football but his school does not have football as a CCA, so I feel that this set-up is really good.
"There is more than one training venue, which makes this programme accessible to everyone. The coaches have a lot of experience, the price is reasonable and I feel my son has improved both in his skills and in character."
With such positive feedback, it was little wonder academy principal Aleksandar Duric was beaming from ear to ear.
"I am really happy when I see the difference in some of the kids compared to when they first joined. They are more confident, work as a team well and, most importantly, have fun," said the former Singapore international striker.
"The first run has been a huge success but this is not the end and I hope this can continue for many more years."
There are four training blocks each year. Each run costs $130, with ActiveSG members given a discount.
The second run, which spans 10 weeks, will commence this Saturday.
The academy will also be extending its programme to cater to youths aged 13 to 16.
"The reason for extending the age group is that I feel the kids who are 13 to 16 are lost in the gap. If they are not already in their school teams or other academies, they will feel that they are too old or not good enough to learn," said Duric.
"That's not true. Every kid is good enough and that's why I decided to extend the age group and give them an opportunity to show their talent and maybe one of these kids will be knocking on the door of the national team in a few years." - G. BUVANKUMAAR
FREE TRIALS
*Free trials will be conducted in the next two months before the third run of the programme in September.
Parents keen to find out more information or sign their child up for the junior programme or for free trials can do so at www.myactivesg.com/start-out/children-youth/academy/football
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