Looking for a football academy? Get your wannabe soccer star pitch perfect by signing up to one of these kid-friendly soccer clubs in Singapore!
Whether you call it football or soccer, one thing’s for sure: kids of all ages love kicking a ball around and scoring goals. It’s one of the most popular team sports in Singapore and a top pick when looking for outdoor activities for kids in Singapore. And if you have a budding Messi or Megan Rapinoe at home who’s been dribbling footballs as long as they’ve been walking, perhaps even during your weekend stroller friendly walks at the park, then it could be time to sign them up for soccer class in Singapore, especially if your wannabe footballer fancies playing for an all-star international team someday!
So if you’re looking for a football club or soccer class for the kiddos, we’ve done the legwork to find the ones that are tops when it comes to skills training and big on fun. As Hasney Aljofree, Football Association of Singapore’s Head of Coach Education & Development and former English footballer, said in an interview, “Young people need to fall in love with the game. So there’s got to be an emphasis on fun, enjoyment, creativity, (allowance to make) lots of mistakes, for them to learn and want to stay in and come back.”
Check our guide to the best football academies and soccer clubs for kids in Singapore!
Best football academies & soccer clubs for kids in Singapore
1. ActiveSG Football Academy
ActiveSG is the go-to location in Singapore when it comes to all things sport. So it’s no surprise that it offers a brilliant football academy too. Led by former Singapore international Aleksandar Duric, the academy provides a holistic programme teaching teamwork and respect alongside those essential footy skills. There’s an introductory programme designed for kiddos aged three to six; we especially love how the little ones start at an early age, and all the better to burn their energy with I say! For older kids aged seven to 16, the programme helps to up their football skills through small matches. Another thing that caught our eye is that the children not only pick up football skills, but they also learn lifelong values like teamwork, honour, and resilience.
ActiveSG Football Academy, various locations across Singapore, including Ang Mo Kio, Queenstown, Bedok, and more.
2. Singapore Football Club
Launched in 2020, Singapore Football Club promises big things. For starters, its motto says it all: “We don’t sign superstars. We make them.” So, you can expect the very best in training from a range of international coaches and the option to participate in the JSSL Singapore National Youth League. With programmes for girls and boys from under four all the way up to under 19’s, everyone is catered for. SFC TEAMs is for the younger players aspiring to take the competitive route, whilst SFC Grassroots is more of an introductory nature for players interested to take up the sport. The club has three values — hardwork, respect, and humility — at its core too, which is great for lil kiddos.
Singapore Football Club Academy, locations in Dulwich College (Singapore), Dover Court International School, and Shelton College International.
3. International Soccer Academy
With over 20 years of experience, International Soccer Academy knows a thing or two when it comes to football for kids. The programme for four to 18-year-olds is all about high-quality coaching, alongside developing core skills in a fun environment. We admit that we can be real klutzes at times, so we get a little intimidated when the class is conducted at too fast a pace. If your kids, like us, need a little breathing space, the classes here take into account their individual potential and goals, with training methods varying with the players’ age and size, developmental level, and current skillset. Players are taught that positive results directly correlate to the amount of effort they put in and, here’s our favourite part, learn that individual prowess has to be balanced with the ability to work as a team. There’s also a free trial class, bonus!
International Soccer Academy, SkyPark Arena @ Holland, 102 Ulu Pandan Road, Singapore 597806; and The Rainforest Sports Hub, 25A West Coast Highway, Singapore 119072.
4. Real Madrid Football School
Even if football isn’t your sport of choice as a parent, chances are you’ve heard of Real Madrid. Take it from hardcore fans, how amazing would it be to learn right from the pros themselves? Believe it or not, but the incredibly successful Spanish team has brought its winning ways to Singapore and is happy to share tips as part of the Real Madrid Football School. Run by a pro team made up of qualified Real Madrid Foundation Technical Directors, you can guarantee top quality, expert coaching here. Novices can go for the Football programme, that caters to various age groups. To cultivate a teamwork mindset, the Team Experience Training Programme might be right up your kid’s alley. The school even takes it up a notch by organising a league competition at no extra participation cost. Alternatively, if your child is between the ages of four and 16, why not go all out with the three-day training experience programme?
Real Madrid Football School, various locations across Singapore, including Joo Chiat, Kovan, West Coast, and more.
5. JSSL Singapore
One of the first English Premier League schools to kick off a football school here, JSSL Singapore FC is the stalwart of soccer training. The numbers speak for themselves: it has 900 children attending weekly, guided by 20 top-notch coaches at three different locations. Kids will be trained by professional coaches, with regular visits from Arsenal FC’s coaching staff (how amazing is that!) to make sure the programme is kept up-to-date with the training methods used by the soccer club. This is a huge plus for fellow parents with daughters: huge brownie points for offering female-only training sessions where girls are inspired to really embrace confidence and develop skills. While you can sign the kids up for usual training sessions, the kiddos can compete in JSSL Leagues or JSSL Pro Academy 7’s, Asia’s largest youth football competition with more than 450 teams across 17 nations. Truly exciting stuff! And, if like us, you struggle with entertaining the kids during school holidays, the soccer holiday camps might be a total godsend.
JSSL Singapore, locations in The Arena Woodleigh, Tanglin Trust School, and SAFRA Tampines.
6. Barça Academy Singapore
Barça Academy, the official football school of FC Barcelona, has a great training academy for kids in Singapore. Led by FC Barcelona trained coaches, the kiddos will get an opportunity to learn about football skills and tactics using training methods used in the Barça youth teams. This is the same training that produced some of the big names in the footballing world. Think Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets! The players play and learn in the best environment too, with FIFA-approved artificial turf playing ground. Our favourite part? The academy recognises that each child develops differently, and conducts an individual performance evaluation to cater to their strengths and areas to improve on. If you’re not convinced, sign your child up for a free tryout to get a feel.
Barça Academy Singapore, locations in Nexus International School (Singapore), Saint Patrick’s School, St. Joseph’s Institution International, and The Perse School (Singapore).
7. Borussia Academy Singapore
Borussia Academy was born out of a collaboration with the popular German Bundesliga Club, Borussia Monchengladbach — and its specialty? Showing youths the magic of the sport. The Singaporean edition, Borussia Academy Singapore, uses a small games approach in their training sessions, which allows every player to have maximum engagement and contact with the ball. More importantly, it trains players to be creative thinkers and swift decision makers on the field. We’re particularly impressed by how players are given the chance to participate in various leagues and tournaments. Even better, they’re able to put their skills to the test in large-scale competitions like the JSSL National Youth League, Singapore Youth League, and Adidas Elite Champions League.
Borussia Academy Singapore, locations in St. Joseph’s Institution International, SkyPark Arena @ Holland, and The Arena Shelton.
8. F17 Football Academy
Founded by local football legend Fandi Ahmad in 2011, the F-17 Academy coaches around 500 hopeful soccer stars all around Singapore. Not only that, but the academy’s also a keen participant in both local and international tournaments. The no-one-size-fits-all approach here is what appealed to us, as training programs are tailored to cater to the different ages and ability levels. Its mission of ‘preparing our players for the world through football’ stood out to me as well, as that’s definitely something our children will enjoy! The club’s F-I-R-S-T values are sure to get parents’ nods of approval as well, where they prioritise focus, integrity, respect, sportsmanship, and teamwork. In fact, both boys and girls can start learning at a young age of two here, all the way to 18 years of age. A solid option if you’re looking for a football club for the kids!
F-17 Football Academy, locations in SUTD Sports and Recreation Centre and Queensway Secondary School.
9. ESPZEN Soccer School
One of our favourite soccer clubs for kids, ESPZEN Soccer School, offers player development programmes in Singapore for kids aged four and above. They’ll enjoy fun, challenging coaching sessions with UEFA, English Football Association and AFC qualified coaches at the helm. Regardless of ability, age or gender, every child who joins will be encouraged to reach their maximum potential, too. There’s a strict 1:12 coach-student ratio too, so we can be assured that our children will get adequate attention. The school holds free trials all year round, with summer holiday camps that the kids are bound to enjoy. Each camp has a different theme, and caters to different age groups — so just take your pick!
ESPZEN Soccer School, enquire for location
10. Singapore Soccer Academy
Boys and girls from four years old are guaranteed to score lots of goals and have plenty of fun at Singapore Soccer Academy! The kiddos will also pick up a pretty cool soccer skill-set while building solid foundations in sportsmanship, self-confidence and social skills. It’s all about being a family here, where coaches and players band together to learn and overcome challenges. The children are taught that there’s more to the game than just winning; and are celebrated for playing as a team and going out of their comfort zone. Students are also taught that their achievements are only possible when they put in the work and believe in themselves. To our fellow parents, seriously, how wonderful does that life lesson sound?!
Singapore Soccer Academy, 726 Upper Changi Road East, Singapore 486046
11. Euro Soccer Academy
Euro Soccer Academy has something for everyone, from Tots Kickers for three to five-year-olds to specialised goalkeeper training. There’s a dedicated girl’s training programme from seven, right the way through to 17. We’ve got our eyes on the specialised goalkeeper training too for both boys and girls. The Academy also participates in local leagues, JSSL and ESZPEN. Led by an experienced coaching squad with a combined experience of over 70 years under their belt, your little kicker is sure to be well looked after here. As a parent, I cherish every opportunity to get involved in my child’s day-to-day life. By providing a structured long-term athlete development programme, the academy includes parents in this journey, and provides regular updates on player growth.
Euro Soccer Academy, locations in SkyPark Arena @ Holland, The Cage @ Dempsey, and The Rainforest Sports Hub.
12. British Football Academy Singapore
With a motto that puts ‘children first, football players second’, you know that your kids will be in good hands at the British Foodball Academy Singapore. Backed by British professional football club Blackburn Rovers, the academy is based on the club’s elite programme in the UK. You can expect a professional set-up here, with academy and elite programmes, football fundamentals as well as soft skills including integrity and respect. It celebrates success with a player of the month and creates an inclusive space. Trainings are curated for each age group, from three all the way to 18 years old. We don’t know about you, but our kids fall sick pretty often (darn those childcare bugs!). Luckily, in the event that your child will miss a training session, the academy offers up to three make-up sessions per term. We’re totally loving that understanding and flexibility!
British Football Academy Singapore, North London Collegiate School (Singapore), 130 Depot Road, Singapore 109708
13. First Kick Academy
First Kick believes in kicking off a love for all things football for kids in Singapore. Classes revolve around core skills, teamwork, and confidence building; and are open to all ability levels, even newbies. It consists of four F’s: fundamentals, family, football and, of course, fun! Kids aged four to 14 years are given as much time on the field as possible while making new friends and picking up a ton of new skills to boot. We like the clear ladder of progression here: toddlers and young children (or beginners in general) can start with an introductory programme, before moving on to a ‘building football skills and teamwork’ programme for kids aged seven to 10. Players aged 11 to 14 can level up with a programme focusing on tactical awareness and advanced concepts, before taking on the First Kick Excellence programme. It comprises three training sessions a week, and prepares players for both the local and overseas competitive scene.
First Kick Academy, various locations across Singapore, including Bukit View Secondary School, Orchid Country Club, The Ark @ Cuppage, Plaza 8 @ CBP, and more.
14. Coach Leo
Which country springs to mind when you think of a top-class national football team? Brazil, of course! So, it’s no wonder that Coach Leo’s a popular choice for the fam. Started by Leonardo Rocha, a Brazilian with an impressive footballing CV, the focus here is inspiring a passion for the game. There’s a range of classes suitable from two to 16 years, as well as private tuition. Little bubs aged two to five won’t be able to get enough of the playgroup classes, each of which end with a fun session of bubbles, stickers, and stamps. For more specialised attention, there are also private and small-group coaching sessions available. You could even get the littlies playing for the Brazilian Lions in the local youth league with dedicated team training. With two trophies to its name already (the academy only joined in 2017), it’s fair to say it’s pretty successful! Holiday camps and soccer-themed birthday parties (four to 25 pax) are part of the mix here at the academy too, with a three-day camp going for just $200.
Coach Leo, various locations across Singapore, including SkyPark Arena @ Holland, The Cage @ Dempsey, Shelton College International, and more.
15. Island City FC
If you’re looking for a football club for both little and big legs, check out Island City FC! Claiming to be Singapore’s most professional youth football development academy, it pulls out all the stops with professional coaches, modern training methods, and exclusive opportunities. Kiddos from four to 16 years old can look forward to friendly tournaments and opportunities to join its great Sunday football league. They can get to grips with being part of a regular team coached by professionals from across the world. Note that to upkeep its high standard, aspiring players will have to undergo an assessment. Once the kids get in, parents and players are regularly updated through frequent player assessments and individual development plans — which sounds fantastic to us!
Island City FC, Singapore Khalsa Association, 2 Tessensohn Road, Singapore 217646; and The Arena Woodleigh, 48 Woodleigh Park, Singapore 357844
16. French Football Academy
Interested in playing football seriously as a career in Singapore? The French Football Academy wants you! Kids between six and 16 years are guaranteed top-notch training, seeing as it’s the official academy of the FIFA World Championships. Go for regular training, competitive training, goalkeeper training… from a toddler and girls programme to an elite programme, there’s something for all ages and skill-sets. Also, the academy’s led by head coach Patrick Vallee, who has steered Etoile FC and Tanjong Pagar FC to victories. Your kids are definitely in good hands here. If your kid wants to look the part, the academy also sells exclusive merch like sleek waterbottles and backpacks.
French Football Academy, locations in SAFRA Tampines, XCL World Academy, and St. Gabriel’s Secondary School.
17. SG United Soccer
Curated by experts and supported by seasoned coaches, SG United Soccer aims to connect kids’ talents and love for the sport. Take your pick of the various programmes being offered, from 1-on-1 and group training to holiday camps and even soccer-themed birthday parties. There are also speed and agility clinics, tactical masterclasses, and intensive classes. Sign up and you’ll also get a jersey with your name printed on the back! Wow! Can we get one too? We’re also taken by how the academy uses innovation and technology to bring its training to another level. The virtual training simulations are especially cool, allowing players to visualise their moves on the playing field. The club’s holistic approach fit our bill perfectly, offering a fab blend of physical training, mental resilience, and even nutritional guidance.
SG United Soccer, Singapore Khalsa Association, 2 Tessensohn Road, Singapore 217646
18. Cosmo United Football Academy (closed)
Being one of Singapore’s leading football academies, Cosmo United Football Academy (CUFA) offers training to children from three to 17. Children are trained by professional coaches – including former and active Singapore Premier League and national team players – in a safe and stress-free environment. Not only will your child pick up football skills, they will also get the chance to develop motor skills, make friends, and learn collaboration skills through matches with other children. On top of that, training sessions are held in Swiss Club Singapore’s outdoor pitch and indoor hall (weather-smart and fully air-conditioned!) so kids get to play ball no matter the weather.
Happy kicking, kids!
