We’ve learned new words, new dance moves and seen some stunning goals but this is the end, my friend, my only friend, the end…
Today, the team visited the British High Commissioner H.E Antony Phillipson at his house in Singapore and Skills Coach Kristian Wilson gave a skills session to the Commissioner’s children and the team were on hand to assist.
There were some wide eyes and open mouths as the lads entered this incredible house and they were first-class in helping the children on with their football.
In his speech to the squad, H.E praised the player’s performance last night and it certainly must have been difficult for the team to pick themselves up after their semi-final defeat, but the players showed real character to dust themselves down and finish the Lion City Cup on a high with another win over Vasco.
It was a relief to sign off with a victory and the difference was marked on the bus trip back to the hotel, with the squad all in fine spirits, reflecting on their unforgettable experience in Southeast Asia.
The Bali Sports Foundation were in attendance for the Blues’ match against Vasco and the team went to meet them after the match, congratulating them on their own victory in the Singapore Sixes – a tournament that they have competed in for the last three years.
The Bali Sports Foundation improve the lives of children from Bali through sport and education and it was great to grab a chat with Chris Pardey and talk about the work he does.
As promised, I have some updates for the Academy dictionary:
“Leng” – means ‘proper fit’ – eg: ‘this meal is leng.’
“Peng” – as above.
A “Chaz” - is someone who fancies themself as a big time charlie.
Just thought we should clear that up… good housekeeping and all...
In other bizarre news, defender Ryan Ellison revealed to me that he and a few other members of the team shaved their legs last night. When I asked why, Ryan simply shrugged his shoulders and told me he didn’t know. Parents, if you’re reading this: have a word.
Ajax were worthy winners of the competition in the end, overcoming Singapore u16s 4-1 in the final. They were a wonderful team to watch and in Dekker, Walian and Nouri, have three players to keep an eye out for in the coming years.
As for City u15s, I’ll be shaking down Darren Bowman for details of when this team play their matches so I can get down and support them in the coming season, whether that’s in a professional capacity or in my free time.
They play the game in the right way and are a great bunch to boot.
I’d also like to thank the people of Singapore for extending such a warm welcome to the club in our time here, particularly R. Sasi Kumar, Juanne, Peter, Ivan, Codina, Alex and Huzi from Red Card, Helmizan and Haizan and the rest of the City Singapore supporters club, H.E Antony Phillipson, everyone at FA Singapore, Steve from Kallang Roar and the players and officials from Vasco, Ajax, Porto and the Singapore teams, and everyone else who fed, watered and gave us beds for the night.
I hope that visitors to the City site have enjoyed the coverage from the Lion City Cup and that it has whet appetites for the Academy content we’ll be producing in the coming season.
Normal service has resumed after the close season at Platt Lane today, so expect plenty of news and features on all age-groups in the coming weeks and months.
Bring on that 12 hour flight... over and out.
