Footballing Weekly: Singapore Youth League could be the most important development for local football in 2024
With nearly 3,800 youngsters able to play at least 30 competitive matches yearly, league seeks to address city-state's shrinking talent pool
SINGAPORE — With Singapore football struggling for good results in international competitions, one of the biggest issues is the shrinking youth talent pool. With that in mind, the recent launch of the Singapore Youth League (SYL) could be the most crucial step in local football development this year.
For the first time, young footballers in Singapore have an official nationwide, year-long league competition where they can hone their skills and teamwork with their peers in the various football academies around the island. And Singapore Premier League (SPL) clubs can also use the league to scout for players, opening pathways for talented youngsters to take the step into professional football.
Speaking on the latest episode of Yahoo Southeast Asia's "Footballing Weekly" podcast show, ex-Singapore international Baihakki Khaizan - now the head of planning (technical division) at Football Association of Singapore (FAS) - explains why the SYL is important in a footballer's development path in Singapore.
"It has been proven around the world that young footballers must play at least 30 competitive matches per year, in order for them to be able to take the next steps towards elite professional football," he said. "With the SYL, we are finally able to provide that many competitive matches to our young footballers. Those who excel throughout the season, they can take the next step to play for SPL clubs.
"Even for those who cannot play at the levels of the top academies, we hope to move them to academies which suit their skill levels, and from there they can continue to train and become better in the future. In the past, kids who could not make a top academy often drop out of football altogether; we hope the SYL can be like a net to catch these kids and make sure they develop at the right levels."
The SYL is set to have over 200 teams from 52 clubs, offering nearly 3,800 youth players competing in over 1,000 matches in this inaugural season. It has kicked off last month, with matches being played at various stadiums across the island for 33 match-days until 1 December.
Schedules, scores, and updates can be found at the official website, or via Singapore Youth League on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Join the "Footballing Weekly" podcast show as the co-hosts Neil Humphreys and Chia Han Keong discuss this new initiative with Baihakki.
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