Get your wannabe soccer star pitch perfect by trying one of these kid-friendly football 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 (including us adults, too!). And if you have a budding Messi or Megan Rapinoe at home who’s been dribbling footballs as long as they’ve been walking, then it could be time to sign them up for soccer school in Singapore. Especially if your wannabe footballer fancies playing for an all-star international team someday! Although of course, we’re also supporters of them wanting to keep it real at a local club. Either way, we’ve done the legwork for you – check our guide to the best football clubs for kids in Singapore!
Best football clubs for kids in Singapore
1. Cosmo United Football Academy (CUFA)
CUFA teaches football to girls and boys, from two-and-a-half to under 17 years of age. Expect to kick balls around in a professional and stress-free environment while having tons of fun! Established in 2005 by Jörg Steinebrunner, a former German U-21 National player and S-League player and coach, the academy currently has more than 200 budding athletes. Plus, kids will also receive solid coaching tips from former Singapore National players, as well as current and former S-League players. Sign up anytime for a free trial to see if your child enjoys it!
Where: Cosmo United Football Academy, practice ground at the Swiss Club (open to Swiss Club members only) and the practice ground at Dunearn Road Corner off Swiss Club Road (non-Swiss Club members), p. 9821 3869
2. ActiveSG
ActiveSG is the go-to location in Singapore when it comes to all things sport, so it’s no surprise that they offer 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.
Where: ActiveSG Football Academy, various locations across Singapore, p. 6345 7111
3. Real Madrid Football School
Even if football isn’t your sport of choice as a parent, chances are you’ve heard of Real Madrid. The incredibly successful Spanish team have brought their winning ways to Singapore and are happy to share their 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.
Where: Real Madrid Football School, various locations throughout Singapore.
4. 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. They also offer a free trial class, bonus!
Where: International Soccer Academy, Rainforest Sports Hub, Turf City, Singapore, p. 9060 7204
5. Singapore Football Club Academy
Launched in 2020, Singapore Football Club’s Academy promises big things. For starters, their 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 two programmes for girls and boys, under 8’s and under 19’s, everyone is catered for.
Where: Singapore Football Club Academy, The Cage @ Turf City, Merlion Sports City, UWCSEA Dover, p. 9118 3570
6. JSSL Arsenal Soccer School
One of the first English Premier League schools to kick off a football school in Singapore, JSSL is the stalwart of soccer training here on the Little Red Dot. Kids will be trained by professional coaches, with regular visits from Arsenal FC’s coaching staff to make sure the program is kept up-to-date with the training methods used by the club itself. Plus, huge brownie points for offering female-only training sessions where girls are inspired to really embrace confidence and develop skills, too.
While you can sign the kids up for usual training sessions, the kiddos can compete in JSSL Leagues or JSSL Pro Academy 7’s, which is Asia’s largest youth football competition with more than 420 teams across 17 nations. Truly exciting stuff!
Where: JSSL Arsenal Soccer School, locations at The Arena Woodleigh Park, Tanglin Trust School and Tampines SAFRA, p. 6348 5780
7. BARÇA Academy
BARÇA Academy, the official football school of FC Barcelona, has a great training academy for kids in Singapore. 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 used to produce some of the big names in the footballing world, like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets – which is why it’s in the running for one of the best football clubs for kids in Singapore.
Where: BARÇA Academy, St Patrick School, 490 E Coast Rd, Singapore 429058, p. 6727 7637
8. ProActiv Sports
There’s no shortage of reasons why we love ProActiv Sports. Not only do they inspire confidence within their football players, but their coaches also focus on skill development, strategy, coordination and learning to work in a team, too. Psst, it’s also great for kids age three to 12 years-old!
Where: ProActiv Sports, locations across Singapore, p. 6935 9496
9. F17 Football Academy
Founded by local footballing legend Fandi Ahmad in 2011, the F-17 Academy coaches around 500 hopeful future soccer stars at three locations around Singapore. Not only that, but the academy is also a keen participant in both local and international tournaments. Plus, its programs are great for boys and girls age two to 18. A solid option if you’re looking for a football club for the kids!
Where: F17 Football Academy, locations at SUTD, CIS Lakeside, SAFRA Tampines, p. 6635 5517
10. ESPZEN Soccer School
One of our favourite football clubs for kids, ESPZEN Soccer School, offers player development programs in Singapore for kids age four and above. They’ll enjoy fun, challenging coaching sessions with UEFA, English Football Association and AFC qualified coaches at the helm. And, regardless of ability, age or gender, every child who joins will be encouraged to reach maximum potential, too.
Where: ESPZEN Soccer School, locations at Turf City, GEMS World Academy (Singapore), Canadian International School Lakeside, HYFA Pitch and the Rainforest Sports Hub, p. 9169 8530
11. 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.
Where: Singapore Soccer Academy, 726 Upper Changi Road East, Singapore 486046, p. 9182 6014
12. Euro Soccer Academy
Euro Soccer Academy has something for everyone, from Tots Kickers for three to five-year-olds, all the way through to specialised goalkeeper training. There’s a dedicated girl’s training programme from seven, right the way through to 17. The Academy also participates in local leagues, JSSL and ESZPEN. Led by an experienced coaching squad, your little kicker is sure to be well looked after here.
Where: Euro Soccer Academy, Turf City pitches, Singapore, p. 9630 7552
13. British Football Academy Singapore
Backed by British professional club, Blackburn Rovers, the British Football Academy Singapore is based on the club’s elite category programme in the UK. You can expect a professional set up here, with academy and elite programmes, developing football fundamentals as well as soft skills including integrity and respect. The Academy celebrate success with a player of the month, but also create an inclusive space with their motto, “children first, football players second”.
Where: British Football Academy Singapore, Merlion Sports Field and Dulwich College Singapore.
14. Chelsea FC Soccer School
Got any Chelsea fans in the house? Either way, you know you’re going to receive top-notch training from this well respected British club. Chelsea’s International Development Centre based in Singapore offers a series of community programmes, specialising in specific skills such as goalkeeping, all the way through to general training sessions for the littlies.
Where: Chelsea FC International Development Centre Singapore, UWCSEA East Campus and Rainforest Sports Hub.
15. 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 is a popular choice for parents looking for football classes 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 years through to 16, as well as private tuition. You could even get the littlies playing for the Brazilian Lions in the local youth league. With two trophies to their name already (they only joined in 2017), it’s fair to say they are pretty successful!
Where: Coach Leo, various locations across Singapore, p. 8350 7734
16. First Kick Academy
First Kick believes in kicking off a love for all things football. In addition, kids age 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.
Where: First Kick Academy, various locations across Singapore, p. 9101 0666
17. Island City FC
If you’re looking for a football club for both little and big legs, check out Island City FC! Kiddos from four to 16 years old can look forward to friendly tournaments and opportunities to join its great Sunday football league where they can get to grips with being part of a regular team coached by professionals from across the world.
Where: Island City FC, The Premier Pitch at Turf City, p.8923 4611
Happy kicking, kids!
