Singapore Youth League • 15th August 2025
Punggol AFA – More than a team, a family.
For Punggol Active Football Academy (Punggol AFA), 2025 has been a year of firsts. Their debut in the Singapore Youth League (SYL) wasn’t just about entering a competition — it was about stepping onto a bigger stage, testing themselves against the best, and building something far deeper than just match results. Whether it is parents, players or coaches, the hard work and camaraderie is evident not just on the field, but off it as well.
Punggol AFA U11s with their family after an SYL match
Punggol AFA futsal session with parents and kids.
Hafiz & Liyana: The football family that plans together
For Hafiz Khalid and his wife Liyana Md Yusof, weekends are a logistical marathon. Two sons in football, schoolwork, religious classes — every hour is accounted for. But they’ve built a rhythm that works, supported by neighbours, relatives, and fellow Punggol parents.
“Preparation starts days before,” Hafiz says. “Early bedtimes, balanced meals, even self-initiated drills. We don’t have to nag — they own their preparation now.”
On matchdays, Hafiz leaves the pitch-side coaching to the professionals. “We cheer, we support, and afterwards we talk about the lessons, not just the goals.”
Liyana, a teacher, sees the league as a living classroom. “Football teaches patience, leadership, empathy. I’ve seen kids console a teammate after a loss or welcome a new player like they’ve known each other for years. That’s education too.”
One of his favourite memories is from after a rainy-day match. “The pitch was muddy, the kids were soaked, but instead of rushing home, we all ended up at a nearby coffee shop, laughing over teh tarik and curry puffs. Those are the moments you remember.”
Rain not gonna stop Punggol AFA from enjoying themselves... smile!
Nicholas & Jade: From doubts to confidence
When Nathen Siah was first selected for Punggol AFA’s inaugural SYL team, he wasn’t sure he belonged. “He didn’t feel good enough,” recalls his mum Jade Tham. “But week after week, we saw him put in the work — on and off the pitch — and his confidence just soared.”
The friendships have been just as important as the football. “These boys celebrate birthdays together, went on Jalan Raya visits regardless of race, and have constant laughter on the field,” Nicholas Siah, dad, adds. “For us parents, the bond is just as strong. BBQs, lunches, WhatsApp groups — it’s the best support network.”
Steven & Caren: Football as a family connector
For Steven D and Caren Loh, whose boys Krish and Kesan play in SYL, the journey has been transformative. “They’ve learned discipline, patience, and teamwork,” Steven says. “They’ve gone from learning basic ball control to understanding the game’s flow.”
Caren adds that the league has opened doors socially. “We’ve met parents from all walks of life, and the friendships extend beyond football. We’re there for each other — whether it’s to share a meal, lend a hand, or just chat after a game.”
Steven & Caren (2nd and 3rd from the left), Jade & Nicholas (5th and 6th from the right) supporting their sons in the SYL match.
Punggol AFA players celebrating birthdays and barbecues together.
Not just coaching a team, but growing individuals
When Head Coach Shahudin Abu Bakar, or Coach Din as he is affectionately known, reflects on Punggol AFA’s first SYL season, his pride isn’t just in the scorelines. It’s in the way his boys now carry themselves.
“From the start of the season, the difference is night and day,” Coach Din shares. “They’re not just kicking a ball better — they’re thinking, talking, and behaving like footballers. They turn up early, warm up without being told, and encourage each other even when things get tough.”
He still remembers a match in March where the team was two goals down. Instead of slumping, the players regrouped, made tactical adjustments, and clawed their way back to a draw. “That resilience — you can’t coach it in a week. It comes from the environment we’ve built,” he says.
For Coach Din, the league’s structure has been a game-changer.
“SYL feels like a real season — performance reviews, accountability, consistent fixtures. The boys see the bigger picture now.” But he’s quick to point out that this growth is a shared effort. “Our parents… they’re not just there to cheer. They’re partners in raising these kids.”
Kampung Spirit
Sean Adamir is both a Punggol AFA coach and a father to two SYL players, Naail and Shaquile. That dual role means weekends are a blend of tactics and parenting — and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We have a ‘kampung spirit’ here,” Sean says with a grin. “Parents look out for every kid, not just their own. You’ll see mums and dads bringing extra water bottles, cheering for all the goals, and organising futsal sessions together.”
Sean’s coaching lens also gives him a unique view of the players’ progress. “I’ve seen my boys and their teammates grow in confidence — not just on the field, but in life. Football has become a motivator for them in school too. Poor studies means no football, and they know it.”
The boys and their coaches regularly do match analysis to improve the team.
A team that mirrors Singapore
Punggol AFA’s diversity is one of its strengths. Malay, Chinese, Indian, Eurasian — different backgrounds, one united team. That mix has created moments that speak to Singapore’s best values: respect, inclusiveness, and mutual support.
As SYL returns after the June-July break and the thrill of the SYL Cup, Punggol AFA will step back onto the pitch with more than just tactics and training. They carry stories of resilience, friendships that feel like family, and a shared belief that football can shape a better future for Singapore.
