Exciting Updates for February: New Head Coach Appointment and Singapore Youth League Launch

As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has some exciting updates to share with the Singapore football fraternity. In a recent announcement, Tsutomu Ogura has been appointed as the new Singapore National Team Head Coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of football.

Ogura-san, with over 30 years of involvement in the game, has worked with various clubs and the Japan Football Association. His extensive coaching background includes being part of the coaching team for Japan at the 2010 South Africa World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics, where Japan achieved a commendable fourth-place finish. Prior to joining FAS, Ogura-san served as the Sporting Director of the Yokohama Marinos and the Head First Team Coach of Tokyo Verdy.

This appointment comes at a crucial time as Singapore is in the midst of qualifying games for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. With back-to-back games against China on the horizon, Ogura-san has made it a priority to get to know all the players and meet with all the Singapore Premier League (SPL) clubs in the coming weeks. The FAS will also be commencing an interim pre-season involving all local SPL clubs to help players regain full fitness and give Ogura-san a platform to assess the talent available for upcoming matches.

In addition to this exciting news, the FAS has also launched the Singapore Youth League (SYL) to provide youth players with more opportunities to play and develop their skills. The SYL aims to focus on development rather than winning, with an emphasis on inclusivity and providing players with the right level of competition. The response to the inaugural SYL has been overwhelming, with over 200 registered teams from 52 clubs and academies across various age groups.

The FAS hopes that the SYL will instill important values in young players, such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. Parents are also encouraged to be actively involved in their children’s football journey, contributing to their development both on and off the pitch.

As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, President Bernard Tan wishes all members of the Singapore football fraternity a joyous and prosperous year ahead. With the appointment of Tsutomu Ogura and the launch of the Singapore Youth League, FAS is gearing up for an exciting and busy February. Here’s to a successful Year of the Dragon for Singapore football!