The Fandi Ahmad Football Club (FAFC), an eponymous community project by the former national star, was launched yesterday with the goal of being a "football club for the people".

At the opening, he said he will teach the beautiful game to youngsters between the ages of three and 18, charging up to $40 per 90-minute session.

The club will also offer subsidised programmes for children from lower income groups, and dedicated training for those with special needs.

"FAFC is the first big step I'm taking in my vision for Singapore football," Fandi told The Straits Times at the launch at ITE College Central. "On top of the usual paid football training for our youth members, we will be offering subsidised programmes and also community projects involving residential areas near our training grounds.

"I look forward to building a successful club that will last long after my time has passed."

Fandi will conduct coaching clinics for ITE College Central students, who will then run the FAFC training sessions with the founder and former Lions defender S. Subramani. Each week, free hour-long sessions for all Ang Mo Kio residents will be held at ITE College Central.

MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, Seng Han Thong, said at the launch: "The FAFC is a very meaningful and powerful initiative. Fandi is the perfect symbol to rally more kids to play football and maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Fandi, 53, said he is in talks on whether to remain involved with the F-17 Academy, a commercial venture launched in 2013 when the Fandi Ahmad Academy merged with the Academy of Football Excellence.

SANJAY NAIR