Encourage free play of soccer
Some might argue that if parents are serious about getting their children involved in sports, they can enroll them in football academies or encourage them to include sports as an extra-curricular activity at school. I don’t know.
However, these structured programs do not fully replicate the benefits of free play. Parents need to be involved too, and time is at a premium when adults are involved.
If your parents aren’t around, it’s important to be nearby. Children need space at home or at school to play spontaneous soccer games.
Since soccer doesn’t have to be played on a field, the solution could simply be for schools to carve out a portion of their multipurpose hall for football. All that is needed is a line demarcating the area and a sign that says “Football Recommended.”
Just imagine. Instead of “no soccer”, children should be encouraged to play in their free time.
Gone are the days of void deck football. Truth be told, soccer was never allowed on the void deck, but as kids we didn’t care. We have to accept that it is no longer possible to play football for free in HDB estates as more people live there.
It is pointless to ask people to be more tolerant. Such sermons only infuriate people even more, especially those who are bothered by the noise.
It only takes the collective will of a few people to create space in schools. Principals and perhaps the Singapore Football Association will help schools provide basic facilities for children to play after school.
As a nation, we have been innovative in solving problems. When elevators were installed in HDB blocks and people started urinating in them, we didn’t stop the elevators, instead we installed cameras and urine detectors in the elevators. That’s because civil servants realized that elevators were important.
If you dream of seeing Singapore’s stars light up Anfield or Old Trafford, if you’re desperate for that elusive World Cup spot, you want to make your children healthier and happier If so, let’s also recognize the importance of soccer. This is more than just a game. It is a nation-building tool waiting to be unleashed.
Former soccer commentator Edwin Yeo heads the Singapore office of SPRG, the integrated regional communications agency.