June school holidays 2025: Little feet, big dreams
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In this episode of nine2twelve, The Straits Times and a guest reviewer visit F17 Football Academy to find out how it gets kids outdoors.
SINGAPORE – Football is a popular sport in Singapore. Many young people dream of playing in the big leagues. Several football academies, including some brand-name ones, are dedicated to training young players, helping them take their skills to the next level.
In this episode of nine2twelve, a video series for kids aged nine to 12, The Straits Times and a guest reviewer visit F17 Football Academy to find out how it gets kids outdoors.
View the video at str.sg/tWXX
ACTIVITY 1
Fill in the crossword puzzle with football-related terms based on the clues provided below.
DOWN
1. The break in the middle of the match, usually 15 minutes long.
3. When a player falls to the ground and, often, pretends to be injured to give the impression that a foul has been committed.
5. The player who plays in the middle of the field. He helps both in attack and defence, passing the ball and controlling the game.
6. A player who is mainly responsible for trying to score goals.
8. The person who trains the players, teaches them techniques and helps them get better at their sport.
9. The leader of the team.
ACROSS
2. The player who stands in front of the goal and tries to stop the other team from scoring. He wears gloves and usually stays near the goal area to catch the ball or block it from entering the net.
4. The act of moving the ball by kicking it with small, quick touches while running.
7. To describe the act of a player who stops or takes the ball away from the other team by getting in the way of their pass or shot.
10. When a player breaks the rules, the opposing team is often awarded this free kick, which means the player can try to score a goal, defended only by the goalkeeper.
Answers: 1. Halftime. 2. Goalkeeper. 3. Dive. 4. Dribble. 5. Midfielder. 6. Striker. 7. Intercept. 8. Coach. 9. Captain. 10. Penalty
ACTIVITY 2
Match the faces of legendary football players to their names. Each player has a story, a signature move and a place in football history. Tell us who your favourite player is and why at .
Lionel Messi
Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Major League Soccer match between Inter Miami CF and CF Montreal at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 28, 2025. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP)
PHOTO: AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo
(FILES) Nassr's Portuguese forward #7 Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Riyadh at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on April 12, 2025. Ronaldo indicated on May 27 that he could leave Al Nassr after declaring that a "chapter is over" hours after the Saudi Pro League finished. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)
PHOTO: AFP
Karim Benzema
Soccer Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Al Ittihad - Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - May 7, 2025 Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema celebrates after the match REUTERS/Stringer
PHOTO: REUTERS
