[Event] Futsal and Street Netball El Toreno Challenge

(The following message is brought to you by TEAM IGNITE EU4RIA [YEP], an overseas CIP team to help the less fortunate in Battambang, Cambodia)


INTRODUCTION
As part of our fund raising efforts to renovate and refurbish an orphanage in Cambodia, we are raising funds by organizing a soccer tournament and a netball challenge!

Join us and challenge yourself to be the best!

All proceeds will go to the fund raising efforts to improve the lives of the orphans in the Madrasah Jamiyyah Munabiq Al-Khair run by Cambodia Good Source Organisation (CGSO).

EVENT INFORMATION

• Date: 26 June 2010
• Time: 9 to 5 pm
• Venue: East Coast Park CAGE
• Men's Challenge: 5-a-side futsal (Under 21 and Open Categories)
• Women's Challenge: 5-a-side street netball (Open Category)
• Cost: $80 per team (6-8 players per team including up to 3 reserves)

Cash prizes to be won for top 3 winning teams!

For more information, please log on to http://el-toreno.blogspot.com/

Covering Continental event (from shutterbugs' perspective)...

One of the aims of this blog is to expand its coverage beyond the S.League into the continental level, which I'm glad to say that I managed to fulfil that task as an obscure blogger.

Just as people tend to see the glamour side of these continental tournaments (i.e.:the Asian Champions League and the second-tier AFC Cup), I thought it would be an eye-opener to take a look behind the scene of running the events, which is an arduous task for those who were involved.

THE ACCESS PASS...

(Picture above) Colour code of various type of passes and bibs were clearly illustrated on this glass panel.

Credit to this volunteer whose task was to sort these passes.

Being prided as the top-two continental tournaments, it's inevitable that the organizers - the AFC and the relevant local sub-organizers would have various pass issued to those involved behind the scene.

From the AFC officials, players, coaches, team officials to the media, security, ball boys and even cleaners were being given a pass for identification purpose.

FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
I applied for a photographer pass, therefore, due to regulations my "working area" was behind the goal during the game.

While the only time when those in the orange bib were allowed to roam along the touchline was after the end of the teams' warming up session till the coin-toss before we hurried back to where we supposed to be.

"The working area" where I positioned during the ACL matches, notice the space constraint between the wall and the billboards (due to regulations).

Muangthong United of Thailand - posed for this shot, it wasn't an easy task to get your camera focused and snap when there were a dozen beside you jostled for better positioning in a matter of seconds.

Unless you are one of those in the green bibs, if not, this was how we worked during the matches (poor Antony Sutton of "Jakarta Casual"- pictured left had to lean against the wall 'because of the regulation.')

THE POST-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE
Due to the strict regulations imposed (that come with a heavy fine by the AFC with any breach of it), I can only made my way out of the stadium to the venue of the press conference at the second level of the building by taking a "detour" route, instead of the "express" way from the field.

As compared to the ACL, the AFC Cup (pictured above after the Geylang's 1-0 lost to Thai Port) seems to be funded solely out of the coffers of the AFC as we don't get to see the setting plastered with sponsors' name as in the elite tournament (pictured below).

(Pictured above) Noticed the two bottles of "Pocari", the matchball and label of the mike-stand in front of SAFFC's coach Richard Bok?

Meeting the deadline is always the most important task for every journalist, like the lady Japanese reporter filing her story on her laptop while the post-match press conference was still on-going.

If there's not enough to satisfy the thirst for more juicy information, this was how things turned out after heavy-spending Muangthong United lost to SAFFC, where the man in the focus (apparently is some top guy from the Thai club) was surrounded by cameras and microphone answering in Thai what could have went wrong.

THE VISITING FANS... (of course)
And lastly, the visiting fans as vibrant and colour as always...

We need to be more expressive ... take a cue, guys....

If the fans got their way....

we would not have seen what proclaimed as the best-ever national team played and won the Malaysia Cup in 1977.

I chanced upon the National Library Newspaper archive site one fine day, and out of curious I decided to search through the site to see if I can find some of the clippings of the heydays of Singapore back in the 1970s.

The result was these two clippings....

It was interesting to note back in 16th December 1976 (when I barely arrived on this earth), a fans' petition was organized to ask the FAS to replace "Uncle" Choo Seng Quee, arguably the best coach we ever had, with Technical Advisor Englishman Trevor Hartley as the national team coach.

As the disgruntled fans argued some of the players failed to perform, while urging the recall of several players back to the national team and most importantly, these fans claimed, the "poor rapport" between "Uncle" and several players.

Should the petition got its way, would we see that historical day on 30 May 1977?

Indeed, one of the players, Quah Kim Song, eventually made his way back to the national team and scored the winning goal in extra-time to beat Penang to clinch that utmost prestigious trophy after a 12-year hiatus.

Once I was told when Kim Song turned up for his first training back with the national team at Jalan Besar Stadium, he was sent away by "Uncle" straight away. It was later revealed the purpose of doing that was to make the star striker "more hunger and determined" to play and it seems to work!

Former national skipper Fandi Ahmad was once spot by "Uncle" and "asked him to come over", but the young boy then was too "scare to come over", which later revealed to be one of the regrets he had for not doing that.

It's the MENTALITY that decides...

(P.S: As I will be out-station for a while, it would not be too good to leave this place empty.)

Like I mentioned it's a collective effort from everyone to see this blog continue to excel, so this blog entry here is rather spontaneous in a sense that it was conceived after a brief chatter with a friend over the phone.

During our short tele-conversation, he suggested a change in everyone's mentality shall be in place, should we see the successful implementation of the "Strategic Plan".

He stressed that some "stick-in-the-mud" kind of attitude of some in the fraternity should be removed in order to see our football go forward.

He went on added that with new ACL regulation, he doubt we can make because of 2 criteria - the mandatory promo/relegation system and the minimum 5k attendance at each game.

So at the end of the day, would you guys agree that even given the grand, comprehensive strategic plan that detailed every thing, would the whole thing WOULD DERAIL if all of us DON'T CHANGE OUR MENTALITY?

My thought is that like I mentioned before it's important to embark the Strategic Plan (SP) on a blank piece of mind, without any historical baggage being dragged down by the Old "GOAL 2010" plan.

Although, I still felt that we can't blindly implement the "promo/relegation" system just to satisfy the ACL criteria, given the constraint we have (recalled I suggested a "play-off" system instead?)

5000/game is a dream but have we asked around those of us when approached the first thing that come to their mind is "got free tickets ah?"...

So it's really us who can create and even break it if we don't change....


(This is posting I posted on the blog's FB group, should you wish to contribute any thought spontaneously of your won, please join as a member to share your ideas with us)

Thank you for making this possible... [Part TWO]

This afternoon, I went to collect my prizes for coming 1st in the "STAR SPORTS BLOGGER"

This is the temporary site of the SSC (Singapore Sports Council), until the Sports Hub is ready.

The recognition of my blogging - an iPhone, a Macbook and a "Magic Mouse" (many thanks to Mr Daniel Tan of SSC for taking this shot).

Nice chatting up with some of the SSC guys as ideas were exchanged, opinions were shared during the session.

It was a wonderful discussion and yes, again, thank you very much for the recognition.

AFTERTHOUGHTS
When I realized that I won the contest, I knew that it's gonna be a brand new beginning to my blogging experience.

With the recognition being bestowed upon, it also means I shall NOT rest on my laurels and the key now is how should I build on this achievement in order to improve my blogging on something so dear to me.

And that's something I felt it's not only me, but a collective effort of you guys to help me to enhance the experience in whatever form.

Looking forward to that collective effort and thank you for your support :)

AFC Champions League Group G - Singapore Armed Forces FC 2-1 Henan Jianye‏ (CHN)

The picture above is a snapshot of a historical moment for Singapore football.

This being the moment when substitute striker Erwan Gunawan (second blue jersey player from the right) headed home the winning goal to give SAFFC and Singapore their first victory in the continental elite club competition over China's Henan Jianye.

John Wilkinson (center) started his first game for the Warriors after a long lay-off.

The Warriors defence were not being stressed as compared to the last 2 ACL home outing.

As compared to their last two outing at the Jalan Besar Stadium, I felt Henan's cautious and possession type of football compliment with the style of the Singapore representative, as both Suwon Samsung and Gamba Osaka duly punished the Warriors with their much superior swift mobility tactic.

Daniel Bennett's strike in the 65th minute gave SAFFC the lead.

Erwan Gunawan came on as a replacement for Indra Sahdan to cap a moment of glory

Probably because of that "toned down" pace of the match, the home side had relatively easier game as compared their encounters against the East Asian powerhouses.

Nonetheless, it was a milestone not only for the Warriors, who are now richer by US$40,000 (for wining a group stage match) but also for the Singapore football on the whole.

A stark contrast as compared to their Shanghai counterparts last year, these supporters were relatively quiet throughout the game (unlike this picture above as they tried to hype it up but failed to sustain.)

POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE

We were focusing our attention on this match and it's not that essential to have ourselves psychologically prepare on whatever outcome of the other game." said Henan coach Tang Yaodong in his post-match media briefing when asked if he was aware of the outcome of other Group G match between Gamba Osaka and Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

"I felt we had created a few chances which we failed to capitalized on them, whereas SAFFC had their two chances which they converted and that's football." he noted.

It was a fantanstic achievement for Singapore football for the first win in the ACL, not just for SAFFC and also for Singapore football as well." said a delighted SAFFC coach Richard Bok in his briefing to the media after the game.

"We set our target to improve what we done last year and to get our first win, it's a wonderful achievement as not only we met our but surpass that expectation." added coach Bok, whose team had gathered a win and a draw from this season's ACL campaign so far, when asked if the Warriors had met the expectation in this season's continental campaign.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MATCH PICTURES

AFC Champions League Group G - Singapore Armed Forces FC vs Henan Jianye‏ (CHN)

(Pictured above) SAFFC' are hoping for better showing after hitting bad patches lately.

(Media Information from Football Association of Singapore)

SINGAPORE, 9 April 2010: S.League Champions Singapore Armed Forces FC and Henan Jianye from China meet in the 2010 AFC Champions League Group G match which will be played on Tuesday, 13 April at the Jalan Besar stadium. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

• Match : 2010 AFC Champions League Group G – Singapore Armed Forces FC vs Henan Jianye
  
• Date : 13th April 2010
  
• Time : 7.30pm
• Venue : Jalan Besar Stadium
  

Ticketing Information
Pre-sale

• Date : 2nd March 2010 until 12th April 2010
• Time/Venue :
  (1) 10am to 5pm / Choa Chu Kang Stadium, 2nd Level, 4D/TOTO Booth
  (2) 5pm to 9pm / 2nd Level SAFFC Clubhouse
  

Category ( Grandstand/ Gallery)

• Adult - S$10 /S$8
• Child - S$10 /S$2
• Senior Citizen - S$10 /S$2

Sale on match day:

• Date: 13th April 2010, for match vs Henan Jianye (CHN)
• Time/Venue: 6pm / Jalan Besar Stadium, North and South Entrance
  

For more information, please contact the Warriors Office at 68925811.

[Feature] HAT-TRICK FOR PUMA IN 2010 RED DOT DESIGN AWARDS

(The content of this entry is obtained via transcripts from Strategic Public Relations Group Singapore-[SPRG], the publicists for Puma Singapore)

(Copyright of the images depicted inside this entry belongs to Puma)

SINGAPORE, 8 April 2010 – PUMA has once again demonstrated its place as a market leader in product design, after being awarded the “Red Dot Award: Product Design 2010” for three of its football products. The PowerCat 1.10 football, PowerCat 1.10 iFG football boot and Italy home shirt impressed the panel of experts and international judges who made the decision after receiving more than 4,252 entries from 57 nations in the product design category.

The Red Dot Award: Product Design is one of the largest and most-renowned design competitions worldwide and is an internationally- recognised quality label for excellent design. The jury rated PUMA’s PowerCat 1.10 products against a number of key criteria including design quality, degree of innovation, longevity and ecological compatibility.

“These products are designed to help players compete for honours on the pitch, so it’s great that they’ve been recognised for excellence of it too," said Filip Trulsson, Senior Manager, International Teamsport Business Unit at PUMA. “This is a great acclaim to the superb efforts across design, development and product line management, and we’re delighted.”

The PowerCat collection was introduced in February 2010, ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. This year, when the world sets its sights on South Africa, PUMA will have enjoyed more than a decade of close partnership and collaboration with African football federations, currently being the official supplier of no less than twelve African National Teams, including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Ghana – all of which are participating in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Other PUMA teams participating in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa includes reigning champions Italy along with Uruguay and Switzerland.

The Red Dot Award: Product Design was presented to PUMA at a ceremony in Essen, Germany on March 2nd, 2010. All winners of the award can use the Red Dot logo on packaging and marketing materials. The award-winning products are put on display before an international public in the Red Dot design museum on the premises of the ‘Zeche Zollverein’ World Cultural Heritage Site in Essen, Germany.

For more information visit: www.pumafootballpresskit.com .

THE "PowerCat" COLLECTION

PowerCat 1.10 Boot

The PowerCat 1.10 Boot uses PUMA 3D Power Shooting Technology which delivers unique rebound properties. The Springtech foam in the shark-like gills on the side of the boot are engineered to enhance every shot by putting extra power behind the ball as it catapults off the shoe. This means the boot intentionally does not absorb the typical amount of energy upon impact with the ball, allowing more power to be released with every shot.

The kicking area is made of a soft, thin leather and a synthetic microfibre around the quarter area, keeping the boot lightweight and easy to perform in. The bladed studs are configured to ensure smooth ground penetration and pressure distribution as well as maximum traction and maneuverability.

Available at Weston stores.
Price: S$249


PowerCat 1.10 Kit
The new PowerCat 1.10 jersey harnesses the power and determination of both a white shark and a world champion heavyweight boxer. The kit uses technology specifically designed for footballers to give players the courage to be bold.

By using the new 3D Motion Analysis technology, performance products can be designed to ensure a player uses minimal energy while moving the upper body, reserving and redirecting that energy to where it is needed most—in this case, the feet.

The jersey also uses an engineered mesh, or ‘battle skin’, that enhances breathability, giving players more comfort and freedom with each movement. The collar and arms feature power cutlines, giving the jersey a striking look that emphasises the strength of the chest and arms.

The shorts – inspired by both football and boxing – feature a boxer-like belt as the waistband. The shorts also have mesh gussets for improved ventilation and additional freedom of movement. The final piece to the kit, the socks, have a shaped footbed to provide support and protection for high-stress regions, along with mesh inserts to provide breathability and an exaggerated definition of the calf muscle.

Available at Weston stores.
Price: S$TBA

PowerCat 1.10 Ball
The PowerCat 1.10 Ball is the latest innovation from PUMA’s award winning design and development Equipment team. The ball was rigorously tested at Sheffield University, as well as three select top division teams in Europe. The ball excels in flight characteristics, shape and anti-absorption properties, as well as the all-important the touch and feel experience.

Available at Weston stores.
Price: S$TBA

PowerCat 1.10 Glove
The PowerCat 1.10 Glove continues PUMA’s history of producing top-of-the-line goalkeeper gloves and adds a punch of power.

The PUMA Flexible Finger Protection System allows goalkeepers to adjust the individual protection levels for each finger with a specially engineered ‘spine’ that keepers can adjust. The POWER Wrist has two-directional silicon straps for added support and stability. The PowerCat 1.10 Glove gets a thrust of power with PUMA’s new power foam featured on the backhand. This padding compresses slower than it expands, giving keepers more power when punching away incoming shots on goal.

Available at Weston stores.
Price: S$TBA

PowerCat Guard
The POWER concept is further reflected in PUMA’s extensive PowerCat guard. The shark gill effect is carried throughout the shin-guard, offering the ‘shape and fit’ customisation and guaranteeing a perfect fit every game.

Available at Weston stores.
Price: S$TBA

THE ITALY NATIONAL TEAM KIT

The award-winning Italy national team home jersey

The Italy kit is part of PUMA’s PowerCat 1.10 collection. Staying true to tradition, the colours of the home kit is Italy’s classic azzurro blue with white details. The away kit is the traditional white with blue and gold details. The home shirt features a unique body fit and ‘battle skin’ graphic, designed specifically for Italy and their quest for a fifth World Cup title. The Italy away shirt delivers a different design interpretation under the same PowerCat concept.

The unique star-shaped collar highlighted with the green, white and red of Italy pays homage to the team’s four World Cup™ titles as do the four stars on the official FIGC logo on the left chest. A leaping PUMA Cat logo on the right chest is prominently displayed. The design of the jerseys reflects PUMA’s sportlifestyle positioning and the dynamic and modern character of the Azzuri. The new Italy kit puts emphasis on courage, engineered performance features and a distinct articulation of raw football power.

The Italian away and the goalkeeper jerseys are fabricated using "3D Motion Analysis" technology

The PowerCat technology used in the new shirt was constructed using 3D Motion Analysis, a scientific technique that captures and quantifies human movement. This movement data is incorporated into the design of the jersey to ensure each player uses minimal force and energy with every upper body movement. The jersey also uses an engineered mesh, or ‘battle skin’, that enhances breathability, giving players more comfort and freedom of movement. The collar and sleeves feature power cutlines, giving the jersey a striking look emphasizing the strength of the chest and arms.

Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon in action in the revolutionized kit

The shorts are inspired by both football and boxing, featuring a boxer-like belt as the waistband to give the Italian players an added bold look and confidence as the title holders. The shorts feature mesh gussets for improved ventilation and additional freedom of movement. The final piece to the kit, the socks, introduces a shaped footbed to provide support and protection for high-stress regions along with mesh inserts to provide breathability and an exaggerated definition of the calf muscle.

All PUMA football gear and apparel can be found at Weston stores.

• Price:
  • S$149 – Home/Away shirts
  • S$TBA – Goalkeeper shirt

Get rid of the potential bugbear.... [FAS launch Strategic Plan for 2010-2015 to take Singapore football to next level‏]

Image credit: The Football Association of Singapore

MY THOUGHTS
Had a brief run through the strategic plan outlined by the FAS, it's detailed and covered almost every aspect of the game development in this country.

Other than the usual players' nurturing and betterment for the national teams, league, it has also touch on areas like using IT technology to enhance the data, info management of local football, etc.

Now, it's up to all of us to do our part to get it on the track, since the plan is out on the table

Which I think one of the potential bugbear we need to get rid is not to associate the present blueprint with the old "GOAL 2010" project.

We need to embark this plan with a piece of blank paper without any spot it

RELEVANT LINKS

• FAS launch Strategic Plan for 2010-2015 to take Singapore football to next level‏
• Address by Mr Zainudin Nordin, President, Football Association of Singapore & Mayor for Central Singapore District at the launch of the plan
  

Unimaginative play marred the Eagles at last...[AFC Cup Group H : Geylang United 0-1 Thai Port FC]

Another bad day in office for Peter Tomko as he was robbed of the ball in the Thai Port's box

Meet a friend who donned the 1996's Geylang jersey after the game at the Lavender station.

“I kinda give up as the way Geylang played was so unimaginative and depend on luck to win their games.” lamented this friend of my, as he offered his opinion of Eagles' performed before he boarded his train.

The "Singha Jao Ta" 'keeper Pattarakorn Thanganuruck had very little much to do.

Battle of "13", as the Geylang's Jonathan Xu trailing his opposite number Issarapong Lilakorn

Indeed, he seems to be spot-on of the Eagles' performance lately.

In their last two matches, the Bedok-based club had to came from behind, at the later stages, to level the scores to avoid being ended up as the losing side.

"Chip it up!!" as Shah Hirul can only watch as Jirawat Makarom lifted the ball into the box

Apparently, like my friend suggested luck was running out on a night when Kiatjarern Ruangparn scored the only goal of the night in the 58th minute to see the Thai side making a great leap to the qualification to the next round of this second-tier continental club competition in this region.

POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE

In his post-match press conference, the Eagles coach Mike Wong (pictured above) sums up his thoughts.

"I think we defended well and tried to get thing organized.

"After the goal was scored, we realized we need to go forward as we knew how Thai Port played."

"And the subs did the attacking plays for us, we wanted to attack their defensive third in the 15 minutes" he added.

Flanked by his media officer-cum-translator, Mr Adi, the Thai Port coach Wattana Phochanakong (pictured above) opened his session by thanks the support from their fans, whom some of them flew in from Thailand for this match.

"We played not just for the win, but also for the attacking quality we always have in our game." said the Thai coach when queried on his offensive tactics deployed in this fixture.

Coach Wattana thanks these Thai Port's fan support during the game

"I felt my team played according to the instruction by playing more on the wings."

"And the fact that we learned a lot from our last game against Geylang that we choose to emphasis more on concentration in our game tonight."

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MATCH PICTURES

challenge with 140-character limit (utilizing "Twitter")

(Picture credit and edited with permission from Gan Meng Yeow)

Since I switched to iPhone, I have been heavily utilizing the "twitter" related applications (such as "TweetDeck" and "TweetDeck") on this wonderful gadget (as pictured above and to think the fact that I once proclaimed I'm not an APPLE user).

Straight to the point, with the popularize of this revolutionized handset that almost everyone is carrying nowadays. I think making full use of the social media tools such as "twitter" and "facebook" would do more good than harm.

While I am aware the league authority and some clubs also have own "tweets" and "FB" presence, but in my presence opinion those are rather under-utilized.

Under-used in a sense, it's nothing more than just trying to squeeze everything like latest information, match updates within the 140-character limit.

So which is why I making use of the picture uploading function offered by the two "twitter" apps to see if we could reach out to a wider audience through them?

And below are some of the pictures I snapped and tweeted instantly after each occurrence (the text in green bold font were exactly what I tweeted with the date beside it link the URL of the actual tweet).

SOME TWEET PICTURES UPLOADED via Iphone

Geylang's coach mike wong happy with 1 pt but hope for 3 but felt etoile are on a high now - 29th March 2010

HT at Queenstown as Etoile came from behind to level with Geylang at 1-1 - 29th March 2010

Gamba Osaka having their warming up prior the kick off against SAF - 23rd March 2010

HU coach Paul Lee broke his silence over Peres MIA, brave act of his indeed as he " don't want to lie." - 20th March 2010

Beijing coach was sent off for running onto the field, good decision by referee - 19th March 2010

3-3 HUFC came back in 2nd half to level and jolt the french momentum - on 14th March 2010