Football: Youth at the forefront as Singapore Pools-FAS Inter-School Futsal Challenge kicks off

The Under-10s tournament will take place from July 3 to July 18, with 44 teams from 37 participating primary schools, while the Under-14s competition is scheduled to start in August. ST PHOTO: SYAMIL SAPARI

SINGAPORE - The inaugural Singapore Pools-FAS Inter-School Futsal Challenge (ISFC) officially kicked off on Tuesday (July 3) with an opening ceremony at Our Tampines Hub.

The ISFC, which is the biggest local school futsal tournament organised for the Under-10 and Under-14 age groups, falls under the Football Association of Singapore's (FAS) objectives of developing young players and increasing participation at the grassroots level.

The Under-10s tournament will take place from July 3 to July 18, with 44 teams from 37 participating primary schools, while the Under-14s competition is scheduled to start in August.

Besides providing more playing opportunities, another key focus of the ISFC would be to instil positive values.

Young Lions captain Taufiq Muqminin, Justin Hui from Hougang United FC and Warriors FC's Mukundan Maran have been tapped and selected as the ISFC Values Ambassadors to highlight the importance of the event's values - respect, teamwork and passion.

FAS deputy president Bernard Tan said: "We are firmly of the belief that sports can go a long way in educating youths, with many opportunities to pick up valuable lessons. From the way they play the game, to the way they treat their team-mates and opponents, there are numerous lessons to be learnt on and off the pitch. It is with that in mind that we have decided to bring these values to the forefront in this competition."

Singapore Pools chief executive officer Seah Chin Siong added: "Singapore Pools has been a long-term supporter in our community to build a passion for sports and sporting excellence. We are delighted to partner FAS on this meaningful journey to impart values through futsal to our youths.

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