Get your kicks for free before the AFF Suzuki Cup kicks off in Kallang

Get your kicks for free before the AFF Suzuki Cup kicks off in Kallang

Fans do not have to wait until the Nov 23-29 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup to enjoy football action at the National Stadium.

The Singapore Sports Hub has set up a five-a-side football pitch at Splashside (outside Gate 21 of the stadium) as part of its community outreach programme, called Experience Sports at Singapore Sports Hub.

The sheltered pitch, which is called the Football 5s Arena, is open daily from 7am to 9pm until Nov 30.

Inspired by pick-up games in the heartland, access is free and no booking is needed.

Anyone can share the pitch with others. However, it is closed at certain times of the day for Sports Hub activities.

Said Siva Krishnan, the Sports Hub's sports and community programming director: "The AFF Suzuki Cup is just around the corner and we're gearing up to 'be the roar' for our Lions.

"We want Singapore to roar with football fever in November."

To stoke the temperature further, a five-a-side programme for children - Experience Sports Football 5s - will also be rolled out.

Trials will be held for those aged 10 to 12 tomorrow and again on Sunday, from 9am to midday on both days, in order to select 48 children for the AFF Suzuki Cup Player Escort Programme.

They will also be divided into four teams, receive training from Asian Football Confederation-certified coaches, get to see the AFF Suzuki Cup trophy up close and take part in a round-robin tournament on Nov 22.

St Andrew's Junior School pupil Ilhan Faiq, 11, said: "I am so excited to try out, and hopefully get selected so that I can walk out with the Lions onto the National Stadium pitch."

Those interested can sign up at www.sportshub.com.sg/experiencesports or in person on the day of the trials. Those who want to play on the five-a-side pitch can also visit the same website for details on availability.

siangyee@sph.com.sg


This article was first published on Nov 7, 2014.
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