Women's Premier League footballers Nadhra Aqilah and Beatrice Tan join "The Athletes Voice Podcast" to discuss the evolution of women's football in Singapore
As the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, the conversation around gender equality in sports has never been more relevant. Women continue to break barriers, push boundaries, and redefine what it means to be a sportsperson in traditionally male-dominated arenas.
In a special podcast interview on "The Athletes Voice Podcast" with SportPlus.sg, Singaporean footballers Nadhra Aqilah of Geylang International Football Club and Beatrice Tan of Lion City Sailors shared their journeys, challenges, and hopes for the future of women’s football in Singapore.
The Evolution of Women’s Football in Singapore
For years, women's football has had to fight for recognition in Singapore, but players like Nadhra and Beatrice are a few of many at the forefront of changing the narrative. Speaking on the podcast, Nadhra reflects on how the landscape has transformed, albeit gradually. “There are more opportunities now, and the standard of women’s football is improving. But we still face challenges in getting equal visibility, resources, and support.”
Beatrice echoes this sentiment, emphasising that the growth of women’s football requires not just effort from players but also structural backing from clubs, governing bodies, and fans as well.
Balancing Passion and Professionalism
Despite their dedication to the sport, many female footballers in Singapore juggle full-time jobs or academic commitments alongside their training schedules.
Nadhra shares that this balancing act is one of the biggest challenges women athletes face. “We have to work extra hard to make everything fit—whether it’s our career, studies, or football. There’s always this pressure to justify why we’re playing when it should be as natural as it is for male athletes.”
Beatrice, who has seen the impact of structured support systems in other countries, believes that Singapore can do more to professionalize the women’s game. “We’ve seen progress, but awareness of women's football is still lacking to some extent. That said a lot has changed from when I first started playing and didn't realise there were women's football teams in Singapore.”
The Importance of Representation and Role Models
For young girls who aspire to play football, seeing women thrive in the sport is crucial. Both players stress the importance of representation in inspiring the next generation. Nadhra reminisces about how she lacked female footballing role models growing up. “We looked up to male footballers because that was all we saw on TV. But now, with more women’s football on display, girls can dream of becoming professionals too.”
Beatrice highlights how female footballers themselves play a key role in growing the game, as representation across the sport is crucial beyond the playing field - this includes in coaching roles and match officials, not just players.
“I think having respresentation in the sport is very important, younger girls can visualise the success and it creates a sense of belonging so that it would make them want to choose football as a path,” said Beatrice.
International Women’s Day and the Future of Women’s Football
The theme for International Women’s Day this year — Inspire Inclusion — resonates deeply with both players. Nadhra and Beatrice believe that real progress in women’s football will come when inclusion is not just a conversation but a priority. “It’s about giving women the same opportunities, whether in sports, leadership, or beyond,” Beatrice states.
Looking ahead, both players hope to see greater investment in the women’s game, increased participation from young girls, and a shift in societal attitudes toward women in sports.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, their stories serve as powerful reminders of how far women’s football has come — and how much further it can go with continued support, visibility, and equality. The conversation doesn’t end here; it’s only the beginning of a future where women’s football stands on equal ground. #IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay #SgFootball
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