Obbana Rajah
With the World Cup just around the corner, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) should capitalise on the event to garner more support for the game and the home team. Singapore may not be participating in Russia in June, but we should use the event to involve more Singaporeans in this sport.
One way that the FAS can look into is to screen the World Cup in open-air fields, much like existing outdoor movie screenings. FAS can also have tie-ups with the People’s Association to organise football-related events to mark the upcoming world cup.
Alternatively, as Singapore Pools currently screens World Cup matches, the FAS can look to them for sponsorship so that prices to watch matches are lowered even further and the sport becomes more inclusive.
Competitions are also a great way to rouse support and to get people involved. The association can organise an eleven-a-side football competition amongst youths. The winning team of the competition will then go on an all expense paid trip to Russia to watch the finals. Furthermore, the competition acts as an avenue for talent scouts and individual football clubs to approach outstanding players to offer them a trial at their club.
Interest in football will be high in the lead-up to FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. What is the FAS waiting for?