$100 deposit for Choa Chu Kang futsal pitch promotes accountability, proper use: Town council

SINGAPORE – Some Choa Chu Kang residents are seeing red over having to fork out at least $130 to play on the futsal pitch in a new community sports facility.

However, the town council managing the premises said the fee includes a $100 refundable deposit, which encourages accountability and proper use.

Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao reported on Wednesday that the futsal pitch at The Arena @ Keat Hong costs at least $130 for an hour of play, including the deposit, which drew the ire of residents.

Choa Chu Kang resident Muhammad Joan Hairey, 25, told Zaobao that he had played football in a free street soccer court in the area before it was renovated but has not played at the Arena since it opened in 2022, citing the charges involved.

Pupil Syed Nabeel, nine, said that the cost was prohibitive, and that he had played at the Arena three times, only because his friends had already booked the venue.

The Chua Chu Kang Town Council (CCKTC), when contacted, said it has seen an increase in bookings of the futsal court – which is used by residents of all ages – in the past year.

“This futsal court has an artificial turf that requires higher maintenance,” it said.

“Unlike other futsal courts, the one at The Arena has an interactive wall for gamified play that can be very costly to replace. Hence, the booking fee and refundable deposit are to encourage accountability on the part of the users and ensure proper usage of the court.”

The futsal pitch

features a high-tech interactive football wall

with impact-sensitive panels to give players feedback.

A Straits Times check on similar futsal courts that have an artificial turf revealed that prices for private ones range between $25 and $160 an hour, depending on the rental times and size of the pitch. Student rates are also available. No deposit is required.

One public futsal court in Yuhua, Jurong, costs between $5 and $20 an hour, depending on the time and whether one is a resident in the area. No deposit is required.

CCKTC added that from July 1 this year, Choa Chu Kang residents can book free sessions for non-commercial use on Sundays from 9am to 3pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

The town council will waive the deposit fee for Sunday complimentary sessions for Choa Chu Kang residents. The move aims to widen the reach and strengthen support for sports and football.

“We hope this move will open up more opportunities for our residents, including students and youth, to enjoy games at the futsal court and enhance sports and community bonding in our estate,” said the town council.

The Arena @ Keat Hong, located next to Block 421 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4,

opened in June last year

.

Facilities in the 639 sq m arena include courts for badminton, petanque, volleyball and basketball, as well as a 400m jogging and walking track next to a mini-park, a sheltered event hall with a green roof, and adult and senior fitness corners.