“RISING STAR SINGAPORE”, a joint project with Albirex Niigata FC Singapore, was a success last through out 2 weekends (Nov 11-19). U15 / U17 selections for the youth teams of Albirex were made through an open application process, and providing a short internship program in Belgium was also attractive that we got more than 850 applicants for the first selection.
After a long process of the first selection on November 11-12, 96 players in total were chosen for the final round. Mr.Daisuke Korenaga (Albirex Niigata FC Singapore Chairman), Mr. Marçal Trulls Sevillano (Albirex Niigata FC Singapore Director of Methodology Department), Hiroyuki Ono (ACAFP CEO), and Adrián Espárraga (ACAFP Chief Football Officer /KMSK Deinze Sporting Director) united in the pitch of Jurong East Stadium and watched over the players with passion as they fought to be selected.
After careful selection by sporting directors, 2 players from U15 category and 1 player from U17 category were chosen for the participation of a short internship at KMSK Deinze, Belgium next year.
ACAFP hope that this Rising Star project will contribute to the development of football in Singapore, and we hope to expand it to many other countries in the future.
Comment from Albirex Niigata FC Singapore Director of Methodology Department
Marçal Trulls Sevillano
“The trials held at Albirex Niigata FC Singapore, in partnership with KMSK Deinze, have been a success. We believe this will greatly benefit our club and, in the long term, significantly contribute to Singapore football by providing young players with opportunities to develop in high-quality environments, similar to those in Europe. We were delighted to witness the players’ efforts and passion. It has been an enriching experience for all of us. Thank you to everyone who joined our trials. Keep striving for excellence.”
Comment from ACAFP Chief Football Officer / KMSK Deinze Sporting Director
Adrián Espárraga
“It was great to be a part of this “grass roots” project in Singapore. Every player showed the passion for football and their skills. We are excited to see them soon in Belgium and support them on site. We also hope that this project will help to further develop Singapore football and give more players the opportunity to play in Europe.”
Photo: (C) Albirex Niigata FC (S)