The petition
Singapore has qualified for the first time in history, a place in third qualifying round of the World Cup. There isn't any big hoo-haa as maybe the Lions have disappointed us countless of times.
There isn't a Fandi Ahmad, Sundramoorthy or David Lee. However, I believe this team can go all the way and go to South Africa. This is THE team. Our local footballers need belief and encouragement. That is why I am doing this. I want to rally them and the fans. I missed the 3,000 fans at Toa Payoh Stadium. By the time 2010 comes along, Duric would not be playing, Indra might have slowed down, Noh Alam might not be as tough as now. What I am saying is we need new blood to get us through beyond 2010.
Here I am suggestting a few things. I believe it has to start now.
Restructure Youth Scheme - Each local club I supposed has its own Center of Excellence. How many players can they hold? How many of them dropped out due to commitments and other off-field events? Thus, there is not enough pool of talents to recover the old ones or be selected. Singapore Sports School does have the structure but after they've graduated? Most of them would go back to square 1 which is academics. Why not have a scheme and make sure they enjoy playing football at its highest level?
Revamp S-League schedule - Revamp the schedule so that our national footballers can train together more often and have more preparation time prior to matches. FAS should fine or even suspend clubs which refuse to release national players. National team is bigger than even my beloved Balestier!
Publicity for local leagues - Huge coverage of local leagues such as NFL, Div 1 and Div 2 will spur more Singaporeans to be footballers. The media should even be thinking of covering primary school, secondary school and tertiary institutions' league /competitions. This will spur our youngsters. Parents will be proud of their kids. All these are feel good things that contribute to our development of football. Media must start to believe again.
Allow others a chance - The reason why teenagers stop playing is that there are no chance to prove themselves once they step into higher level of education. One of the common practices in local school football is recruiting ready-made players, that is,for example, a polytechnic's soccer coach will most likely choose someone who has been in their secondary school's soccer team, thinking they have the basic skills. There isn't any chance for a kid who has the skills to play street/amatuer football to prove himself. This is an absurd practice. Those who started football late should be given a chance. What matters most is passion and dedication. This also increases competition and make sure footballers are always on their toes to improve. A well-organized and cheap amatuer league will be good.
Changing the mindset - Now we have part-time studies available widely. We must make the youngsters believe that it is alright for them to go for their dreams first. Money has to be pumped in to support these youngsters. National organisations should help these youngsters who are trying to achieve their dreams.
FAS/Government has to be more open to radical ideas - Allow us to play under the void deck, or re-design void decks to be football-playable. Basketball courts should have 2 poles and footballers and basketballers should compromise on a first-come-first-play basis.
We have to have excellent coaches and guides - Make the coaching fee very attractive. Have seminars for current coaches and promote healthy exchange of ideas with countries outside our region. We have to throw the SEA Games mentality out. Let's forget it and reach globally. Arsenal is already in Singapore. So what are you guys waiting for? Tap on them as much as you can.
Delay demolition of National Stadium - Our Lions doesn't need 6,000 fans, they need 60,000!!! Stamp your feet guys!
Should you have any other suggestions or comments, email me at addymuliady@hotmail.com, so I can edit.
Sign the petition
Fields marked * are required.