Singapore Launches First Overseas Football Scholarship for Promising Young Talents
Singapore is taking a significant step forward in nurturing its young football talents with the launch of its first-ever overseas football scholarship program. Eight of the country’s most promising young footballers will have the opportunity to study and train abroad full-time under the Unleash the Roar! (UTR) national football project.
The recipients of the UTR! Overseas Scholarships will be heading to two renowned institutions that specialize in developing young football talents. Five players will attend the IMG Academy’s program in Florida, while three will enroll at ESC LaLiga & NBA in Madrid.
IMG Academy, known for producing top talents like AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic and the US women’s national football team’s Mallory Swanson, offers a conducive training environment that integrates sports science. Similarly, ESC LaLiga & NBA, the academy project of Spain’s top-tier league LaLiga, has hosted promising prospects from around the world.
Both academies provide high-quality competition schedules throughout the year and academic options that support the student athletes’ future aspirations. This includes the flexibility to pursue academic goals alongside their football training.
The Singapore government’s decision to offer this overseas scholarship demonstrates its commitment to developing football talent in the nation. The scholarship recipients will receive support from the UTR! network in Singapore, which includes football administrators and ex-internationals serving as mentors. Regular check-ins will ensure comprehensive guidance throughout their scholarship journey.
The eight UTR! Overseas Scholarship recipients consist of six girls and two boys: Ardhra Arul Ganeswaran, Chloe Koh, Irsalina Irwan, Kyra Taylor, Seri Ayu Natasha Naszri, Yasmine Zaharin, Loo Kai Sheng, and Uchenna Eziakor.
During a ceremony at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth, presented the scholarships to the talented recipients. The selection process involved a rigorous assessment led by the UTR! executive committee chairman Eric Chua. The initial shortlist of potential scholars was based on the evaluations from the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and the Singapore Sports School. The finalists underwent further evaluation through training sessions, competitions, and interviews.
One of the recipients, Irsalina Irwan, already possesses significant experience, having earned five caps with the Singapore women’s national team at the age of 16. Irwan expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and excitement at the prospect of training with professionals in the US.
Upon their return to Singapore, the scholarship recipients will play an active role in the development of the country’s football ecosystem. This includes representing Singapore in international competitions and contributing to the growth of football in the nation.
During the scholarship award ceremony, Minister Edwin Tong emphasized the importance of complementing existing programs, growing Singapore’s football base, identifying talent, and helping promising players reach their full potential. The UTR! initiative has already introduced 12 School Football Academies in the past year, with plans to further enhance the coaching standards.
The Junior and National Development Centres (JDC and NDC) will serve as the second home for the best players identified through rigorous training programs and assessments. Additionally, the Singapore Youth League will be introduced to provide regular and high-level training and competition opportunities for young talents.
Singapore’s first overseas football scholarship marks a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to developing football talent. By providing young players with the chance to study and train abroad, Singapore is investing in the future of its footballing prospects and aiming to raise the profile of the sport in the nation.
