The World Cup is a highly anticipated event which is appreciated by millions of fans all over the world. Although Singapore has yet to qualify for the World Cup, Singapore Lions are working hard to achieve the ‘aspirational target’ of qualifying for the 2034 World Cup.
The ‘aspirational target’ for the football scene in Singapore
In August 2019, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Mr Edwin Tong, revealed his aspiration target for the Lions to qualify for the World Cup in 2034. “Goal 2034 is something that is going to be at the forefront of attention in the immediate future”, Said Mr Tong.
This ‘aspirational target’ for Singapore’s football has been a hot topic for many years, with opinions being on 2 extreme ends: It is a realistic goal vs. it is not a realistic goal.
With the unreached goal of the Lions being able to qualify for World Cup 2010, there is skepticism of the ‘aspirational target’ not being a realistic goal.
Despite this skepticism, Singapore has been taking big steps towards attaining this goal.
Steps taken to reach this ‘aspirational target’
The new project, “Unleash the Roar” involves a youth tournament and a scholarship programme and has a vision to rally Singaporeans, inspire our next generation, and create a safe, disciplined and professional sporting ecosystem.
“[There are] overarching strategies to create opportunities for more young Singaporeans to have sustained and structured high quality football training”, mentioned by Olivia Quay on The Straits Times.
Support local
However, there is much support needed — “an ecosystem”, as Football Association of Singapore (FAS) deputy president Mr Bernard Tan said, in order for this project to be a success. This means much support is needed by Singaporean fans to support local and for parents to support their children to actively participate in the football field.
This is reiterated by Mr Tong who mentioned, “There has to be a collective unity to pursue a shared goal, all of us, working together, united, pulling in the same direction, for this project to have a chance”.
As football fans in Singapore, let’s all remain optimistic and support our local football talents in their upcoming matches and as they work towards their goal of qualifying for the 2034 World Cup.
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