FAS releases 10 recommendations to improve Singapore football's performance at SEA Games

SINGAPORE: The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) on Friday (Jul 7) unveiled 10 recommendations to improve the country's performance at future Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, including giving young players more game time in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and providing the men's under-23 and under-22 sides with access to the resources of the full-fledged national "A" team.

The proposals were put forth following the performance of Singapore's under-22 team at this year's SEA Games in Cambodia.

The Young Lions suffered a 7-0 mauling by Malaysia in their final group game in May, making it Singapore’s heaviest defeat at the Games since the competition became an age-group affair in 2001.

They had already been knocked out from the group stages for the fifth straight time, following a goalless draw against Laos a few days prior. 

The recommendations were formulated based on internal reports submitted by FAS departments after the tournament, “objective" analytics, “subjective" feedback gathered by a SEA Games review committee which interviewed personnel involved in the Games, and discussions with individuals including from other countries' football associations, said FAS in a press statement.

One recommendation was to move the men’s under-23 and under-22 (U23/22) sides under the national team, and headed by the national head coach.

“The men’s national team will henceforth be accountable for both the performance of the A and U23/22 team and in charge of securing and using all available resources in support of the U23/22 side during major tournaments,” said FAS. 

This “elevates the importance” of the U23/22 squad, ensures that national team resources are available to support the younger footballers