On 22 June 2025, the Tasek Sailors Charity Football returned for its third edition at the Lion City Sailors Training Centre, rallying 20 organisations and over 100 youths to raise more than S$160,000 for disadvantaged children and youth. The initiative, a collaboration between Lion City Sailors (LCS) and Tasek Academy and Social Services, was launched in June 2023 with a mission to empower young people through football, mentorship, and life-skills training.
Building on nearly S$400,000 raised in past editions, this year’s event strengthened the programme’s reach—combining sportsmanship with solidarity to create opportunities for socially disadvantaged youths across Singapore.
More Than a Game: Corporate Teams and Star Players Join In
The Corporate Tournament saw spirited competition, with H&H edging HSBC 1‑0 in a tightly fought final. Teams from SGX, MSIG, Deloitte Singapore, Royal Bank of Canada, Static Power, and Singapore Pools also participated, reflecting broad corporate support for youth empowerment.
Adding star power were former Sailors Academy talents Muhammad Nur Asis and Khairin Nadim, Sailors Women’s Team attacker Dorcas Chu, Singapore women’s internationals Nadhra Aqilah and Chloe Koh, and local celebrities Brian Ng and Leon Lee. They played alongside Tasek Sailors youth teams (Under‑14 to Under‑16), offering encouragement and sharing personal journeys to inspire the next generation.
Building Skills Beyond the Pitch
More than a football tournament, the event provided hands-on leadership and learning experiences. Youths participated not only as players but also in event management roles, from tournament coordinators and team managers to business managers, gaining valuable operational experience.
Workshops on social media management, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention complemented the matches, broadening the youths’ exposure to different professional pathways.
Impact: Changing Lives Through Mentorship
The funds raised will be channelled to three key pillars:
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Wraparound social support for disadvantaged children and youth.
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Strengthening the Tasek Sailors girls’ football programme, with enhanced technical training.
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Providing individualised development opportunities in football and other areas of promise.
The initiative has already positively impacted nearly 800 children and youth, with four centres established across Singapore, including at Victoria School, Manjusri Secondary, Millennia Institute, and Crest Secondary School. Competitive participation has grown, with eight teams now representing East and West centres in the Singapore Youth League—including the first girls’ team in the U14 division.
Early success stories include Saarvin Raj, who graduated from the programme in 2023 and now plays for the Singapore National U17 Team, and Rayhana Shanaz, recently called up to the Singapore National U16 Girls Team.
Empowering Dreams Together
Guest of Honour Ms Jane Ittogi, Chair of Tasek Academy and Social Services, captured the heart of the event: “It is not just about winning a game. It is about hope, and about the years after, walking the journey with our youth.” Her words resonate deeply with the SG60 spirit—celebrating a Singapore where sports, mentorship, and community partnerships converge to empower every child to dream boldly.
As SG60 marks six decades of growth, stories like these remind us that true progress is measured not only by infrastructure but by the lives uplifted and the opportunities created for future generations.
