Football programme for vulnerable youth gives them skills to score in life

SINGAPORE – Mr Muhammad Arfa Yazmi works part-time three days a week delivering medicine, to earn money to help support himself and his three younger siblings. He also helps his youngest sister, who is taking the Primary-School Leaving Examinations this year, with her studies.

Until recently, he had also been schooling at ITE and had to worry about his grades. Yet, even during his most stressful weeks, the 20-year-old always looks forward to Saturday nights – when he gets to play football with other youth his age. “When I have a bad week, playing football helps me destress and eases my burdens. It’s my safe space.”

Mr Arfa is one of 500 youths aged 13 to 21 who participate in the Saturday Night Lights (SNL) programme annually. Through this development programme, vulnerable youth can train in football and learn life skills for free.

It is organised by SportCares, the philanthropic arm of SportSG, while partners such as Changi Foundation and Singapore Pools fund SNL expenses like coaches and venue fees, as well as food and hydration during training sessions.

More than 7,000 youth – including 200 girls – have participated in the programme since its inception in 2013, referred by partner organisations including the Singapore Boys’ Home and social service agencies, and SNL participants and coaches.

Potential participants are assessed on factors such as housing type, receipt of financial assistance and social circumstances, to ensure the programme reaches youths who benefit most from it.

Every Saturday, participants gather to train and play football from 6pm to 9pm at eight training locations across the country.

SNL sends 17 teams to compete in the annual SportsCares Hearts Football League, which has two men’s divisions and one women’s division and runs from July to October every year.

Other squads from Special Olympics Singapore, Republic Polytechnic and Nanyang Technological University, among others, bring the total number of teams to 22, with a maximum of 25 players per squad.

Mr Arfa’s team, the Hokkaido Wolves, finished third in the second division of the Hearts Football League this year.

He recalled the moment they won their placing via a penalty shoot out: “When our keeper saved the deciding penalty, we were so happy. We just ran to him and started running and celebrating.”

Mr Arfa was introduced to the SNL programme in 2023 by a schoolmate from ITE. At the time, he was looking to join an amateur football club after recovering from a ligament injury he suffered while playing in a casual football match nine months prior.

He was initially nervous that he would be judged by his teammates and coaches for his play, especially after his injury kept him away from the game for so long.

Those worries were quickly dispelled by the welcoming, supportive environment, which helped him settle in quickly, he said.

“Knowing that my teammates won’t judge me for my mistakes has made me braver and bolder to go in for tackles or challenge for balls,” said Mr Arfa, who plays as a centre-back.

Mr Shawn Lim, division head of SportCares, said the impact of the programme has been far-reaching.

“Not only do participants enhance their football skills, but they also gain essential qualities such as teamwork, discipline and resilience.

“We’ve observed significant growth in the youth who join SNL, with many developing stronger self-confidence and a sense of responsibility, especially through the programme’s volunteerism and leadership initiatives.”

To develop participants off-pitch, the SNL programme includes ad-hoc life skills workshops and leadership programmes for participants where they plan and organise community events. Each participant is required to fulfil 12 hours of volunteering and community service.

This year, Mr Arfa helped to organise a half-day carnival for elderly people living with dementia.

He said: “I don’t think I would’ve gotten into volunteering during my ITE days if not for SNL. Back (in school), I never really thought much about volunteering, and I was more focused on my studies and social life.

“After joining SNL, my whole mindset changed. The programme really opened my eyes to how powerful volunteering can be, not just for others, but for myself too.”

Mr Khalifah Ibnu Katsier Ridhuan, 23, who took part in the SNL programme while he studied at Nanyang Polytechnic from 2019 to 2023, also benefited professionally from the programme.

In 2021, he volunteered to design a logo for his team, the Eagles, which helped to kickstart his career as a graphic designer in the sports industry.

“After I designed the logo, my coach introduced me to his connections to help me navigate the Sports industry and gain exposure,” he said.

“I think the programme is very important to youth. It allows us to develop not just on the pitch, but in all aspects of life as well.”

Said Hokkaido Wolves coach Alif Hafiz Masnor: “What I always tell my boys is that one out of maybe a 100,000 youths will go on to play in the Singapore Premier League, but 100 per cent of them will go on to be husbands, brothers and sons.

“At the end of the day, values are the core thing we want them to walk away with – the results on the pitch don’t matter as much.”

Ms Cynthia Taye, coach of women’s division champions District West Girls United, echoed the same sentiment: “Winning the league is just a bonus. My priority each year is the wellness of players and developing them into better people.”

District West Girls United striker and ITE student Ms Fajriyah Mohamed Farik, 20, credited the SNL programme for helping her break out of her shell.

Ms Fajriyah stayed in a Girls’ Home prior to joining the programme. She felt that she had become more shy and reserved, and had problems communicating with people after leaving the home.

She said: “SNL was important for me to find myself again. My coach and teammates helped me build my confidence and taught me that it’s okay to be myself.”