The Premier League teamed up with Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) and StarHub this weekend to provide children from low-income families with expert football coaching and tuition, as well as a surprise appearance from Manchester United FC legend Peter Schmeichel.
Hosted at the Catholic High School and led by Premier League community coaches from West Ham United FC and Burnley FC, the children – aged seven to 13 – participated in the Junior Stars Football Special, designed to develop practical football skills and teach valuable life skills. The session was also attended by Mayor of Central Singapore District Denise Phua.
The children took part in a series of workshops, with themes including teamwork, diversity and emotional wellbeing. They also got the opportunity to ask questions to five-time Premier League Champion Peter Schmeichel in a mock press conference, before taking part in football skills sessions and a mini-tournament.
The Premier League was supporting the Junior Stars programme as part of its activity marking the fifth anniversary of its first international office opening in Singapore. The event highlighted the shared commitment of the League, CDC and StarHub to use the power of football to inspire learning and bring communities together.
Five-time Premier League Champion Peter Schmeichel said: “I have seen the impact that football has on children and young people all over the world and it was a pleasure to take part in the Junior Stars Football Special here in Singapore.”
“You could see the participants’ enthusiasm for the game and it was a great experience for them to receive tips from Premier League coaches. I hope they all enjoyed their day and continue playing and learning from football alongside their friends.”
Since 2011, Central Singapore CDC and StarHub have partnered to provide learning opportunities for over 7,000 children, training them to acquire problem-solving skills, strengthening their academic foundations and interest in lifelong learning. This includes the ‘Junior Stars’ Programme, which was launched in 2021 to upskill children from low-income families with future-ready skillsets.
Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, said: “Ensuring equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their starting points in life, is a priority for our district. Central Singapore CDC is dedicated to levelling the playing field through our enduring partnership with steadfast partners like StarHub. Together, we empower especially our young residents from disadvantaged backgrounds with enriching learning experiences beyond the school walls.”
“Today is an excellent example of the wonders of such a partnership, with the support of the Premier League, its coaches and football legend Peter Schmeichel. This is such a treat for our children to experience and learn from world-class coaches. I am thankful for socially responsible businesses like StarHub, who not only pursue commercial success but also contribute to the greater good of society. By providing additional educational opportunities for our young residents, we together ensure that as many as possible will not be left behind.”
Veronica Lai, Chief Corporate and Sustainability Officer, StarHub, said: “At StarHub, we believe in the transformative power of football to bring people together, and to uplift communities. Aligned with our belief in ‘Football for All’, we are proud to partner with the Premier League and the Central Singapore Community Development Council to bring this exciting and meaningful opportunity to the less privileged youths in Singapore.”
“We are also thrilled to have been the bridge for two of our long-term partners, Premier League and Central CDC, to do good together. We hope that this event serves as a source of inspiration for the kids, and would encourage them to seek out their dreams, while instilling positive life values to shape their futures.”