How to Play Overseas if You're a Singaporean
Your guide to taking your football career to the international stage.
Maintain Highlights
Constantly have highlights/videos of you playing
Connect with Agents
Get in touch with soccer academies or soccer agents
Research Trials
Scroll through Google for any open trials overseas
Right Mindset
Have the right mindset. Positive thinking always
The Journey Begins
Without a doubt, it is a kid's dream wanting to play in one of the biggest leagues abroad regardless if it is in Europe or in Asia. Even so, it is never an easy task to reach to that level. Different leagues requires different level of intensity and thus we have to be prepared.
There is only one way up and that is to work extremely hard in wanting achieve your dreams. Set backs are bound to happen in an athletes life and we have to know that it is ok to fail sometimes, we learn from there and we keep pushing.
"Failure is just another opportunity to start over"
Building Connections
Now even with constant training and working, connections in the sporting world is extremely crucial especially if you want to pursue your footballing career overseas. Many athletes who want to pursue a career in football overseas tend to stop halfway through because there wasn't any progress.
It is extremely important to constantly check on social media/Google regarding any trials conducted by clubs overseas. Some academies would conduct trials during the summer before the season start. Make sure you email the various clubs or academies and enquire them regarding any trials which they will be conducting anytime soon.
International Exposure
For youngsters, it is best to be exposed to competitions overseas because it is one of the best ways to shape you to become a better footballer as you will be competing with players from different parts of the world. Academies such as F17, JSSL Arsenal, and Chelsea Soccer School are great examples of academies that provide such exposures to their athletes.
If enrolling into an established academy is too much for you then that's fine. There are other routes for young footballers to go through. It does not necessarily mean it's a must to get into such academy and that it is the only way. One can enroll themselves into various academies that does not cost much.
The Bottom Line
All in all, playing abroad is definitely everyone's dream but it is never an easy journey for any footballer. Foreign players in Europe had to work extremely hard, started from the lower divisions and slowly making their way up towards the higher divisions. Nothing is impossible if you want to achieve something. It is all about dedication, determination and hard work.