The Premier League teamed up with Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) and StarHub to deliver the Junior Stars Football Special
Singapore, 4 February 2024 - In a unique fusion of sportsmanship and charity, the Junior Stars Football Special emerged as a beacon of hope for children from low-income families on Saturday, 3 February 2024.
A collaboration between the Premier League, Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) and Starhub, the Junior Stars Football Special at Catholic High School aimed to equip children ages seven to 13 with functional football techniques and beneficial life skills through a mock press conference as well as a mini tournament.
The presence of Manchester United and Denmark legend Peter Schmeichel along with community coaches from West Ham United FC and Burnley FC not only added a touch of stardom to the event but was also testament to the power of football and its impacts beyond the actual game.
In an interview with the five-time Premier League winning legend, Schmeichel recounted past experiences working with Manchester United foundation and Soccer Aid post retirement, speaking on the importance of using his position in society to help those in need.
The 60-year-old recalls his most memorable experience with the Manchester United Foundation which took place at a home for children in need.
“We were there just before Christmas and we brought presents for them. Being this close to the kids and giving them presents when they’re in difficult stages of life, it really puts smiles on their faces,” said the former Manchester United captain.
“I remember this one kid who had only been there a couple of days, with a very sad story about his mother being arrested. He was following me around before he eventually brought me to his bunk to show me his bed. He only had four possessions and they were in a little drawer. He was so proud of them and he wanted me to see that.”
“It was at this moment I realised that something had to be done, that we had to help these kids,” Schmeichel emphasised.
Following the workshop on Saturday morning, Schmeichel hopes that through football, the children are able to envision a brighter future in the field of sports.
“The kids had an opportunity to play, be coached and connect with coaches from England who are educated in teaching kids so hopefully in that, there might be inspiration for the kids to play football,” said the Dane.
“If we can inspire even one kid to play football today, that’s a really good result.”
Held in conjunction with the Premier League’s fifth anniversary of its first international office opening in Singapore, the event allowed for the emblematic Premier League trophy to be brought down to the school, allowing the children to view it up close and take photos with it, captivating many.
“They have seen the Premier League trophy, I think that’s a big thing because not a lot of people have actually seen the Premier League trophy in real life,” added Schmeichel.
“From this, they might go back home and tell their parents they want to play football.”
The children were also given the opportunity to ask questions and interact with Schmeichel in a mock press conference held in the school’s auditorium, aiming to replicate the sense of excitement of participating in an actual football press conference.
Shortly after, community coaches from the Premier League gave quality advice to the children while spectating their training session before the mini tournament.
The event came to a close as the children cooled off after a short yet intense tournament while enjoying gift bags prepared by the event sponsors.
Although the day had been both exhausting and rewarding for the children, there was no denying that the bonds formed on the field left them feeling uplifted and satisfied as they departed, inspired by the sense of camaraderie they had experienced on the field.
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