SINGAPORE - Former Singapore international striker Aleksandar Duric will be heading a new football academy set up by ActiveSG, Sport Singapore's national movement for sport.

The 45-year-old, who retired from football in 2014, will be taking a managerial role, in charge of assembling and managing a team of partners and coaches for delivering the academy's programmes.

Said Duric: "I am truly honoured and humbled to be given this opportunity to serve Singapore through what I love most - football.

"I am looking forward to working with the ActiveSG team to create an academy where every Singaporean child, regardless of ability or background, will be given the opportunity to learn how to play football and develop and sustain their passion for football throughout their youth."

The academy is aimed at providing greater access and opportunities for boys and girls to develop fundamental football knowledge and skills at an affordable price as compared to those of private clubs.

It will complement the existing youth football developmental programmes, and will be adopting the Football Association of Singapore's grassroots manual and their coach education system.