In town for the Junior Stars Football Special, a project between the Premier League, Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) and StarHub to provide children from low-income families with expert football coaching and tuition, Denmark and Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel was asked what Singapore needed to do to improve on its football form.
“Every time I have been here, I have been asked the same question,” he said.
“What can we do in order to step it up.”
But he was honest with his response.
“I don’t think there is an answer to that,” he shared.
“I am hoping for every time that someone like me or the Premier League comes out here and do clinics like this, I am hoping that every time we do that, a little bit of inspiration comes in to players, coaches and football authorities.
“And from our visits, a little bit of improvement happens and then one day you will never know.
“Football is a tricky business.”
He also added that “football starts at a very young age, and in order to get to the top as a football player, you need to have the backing of your parents, the cultural backing as well.”
“You need thinking and players and parents to push it to the next level and maybe that will come in time.”
See TMSG’s chat with Schmeichel.
ABOUT THE JUNIOR STARS FOOTBALL SPECIAL
Hosted at the Catholic High School and led by Premier League community coaches from West Ham United FC and Burnley FC, the children – aged seven to 13 – participated in the Junior Stars Football Special, designed to develop practical football skills and teach valuable life skills.
The session was also attended by Mayor of Central Singapore District Denise Phua.
Said Phua, “Ensuring equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their starting points in life, is a priority for our district. Central Singapore CDC is dedicated to levelling the playing field through our enduring partnership with steadfast partners like StarHub.
“Together, we empower especially our young residents from disadvantaged backgrounds with enriching learning experiences beyond the school walls.”
The children took part in a series of workshops, with themes including teamwork, diversity and emotional wellbeing.
They also got the opportunity to ask questions to five-time Premier League Champion Schmeichel in a mock press conference, before taking part in football skills sessions and a mini-tournament.
The Premier League was supporting the Junior Stars programme as part of its activity marking the fifth anniversary of its first international office opening in Singapore.
The event highlighted the shared commitment of the League, CDC and StarHub to use the power of football to inspire learning and bring communities together.
Schmeichel added, “I have seen the impact that football has on children and young people all over the world and it was a pleasure to take part in the Junior Stars Football Special here in Singapore.
“You could see the participants’ enthusiasm for the game and it was a great experience for them to receive tips from Premier League coaches. I hope they all enjoyed their day and continue playing and learning from football alongside their friends.”
Since 2011, Central Singapore CDC and StarHub have partnered to provide learning opportunities for over 7,000 children, training them to acquire problem-solving skills, strengthening their academic foundations and interest in lifelong learning.
This includes the ‘Junior Stars’ Programme, which was launched in 2021 to upskill children from low-income families with future-ready skillsets.
PHOTOS: EDELMAN/PREMIER LEAGUE
