\n<\/p>\n
One perennial issue for aspiring players at that age is the competing commitments and priorities. Youths have to think about their families, their own education, their ambitions outside of football, as well as financial concerns.<\/p>\n
The simple fact is that youngsters in the SPL2 are not paid much, said the SPL footballer who declined to be named. Aside from their other commitments, money could be a reason they call time on their footballing careers, he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Agreeing, Mr Rai said youths need to be able to see the SPL as a way to ascend to greater heights.<\/p>\n
“They must see that there’s a pathway for them to go into the SPL to develop, go and play senior football, make a good living, a good wage, and maybe even use the league as a stepping stone to other competitions across Asia,” added Mr Rai.<\/p>\n
Beyond structure, others pointed to a more fundamental concern: footballing quality.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, FAS announced a series of changes as part of “ongoing efforts” to “raise the overall standard” of the SPL while supporting long-term national team objectives.<\/p>\n
One of the changes allowed SPL clubs to field seven foreign players on the pitch simultaneously, as part of a move to “enhance the quality” of competition by introducing higher levels of “tactical and technical play”.<\/p>\n
However, this in turn means less opportunities for local footballers. “Some foreigners that I see are not even better than locals but they are playing just because they are foreigners,” said the player.<\/p>\n
Mr Khidhir said that while allowing seven foreigners may be reasonable as a stopgap, the number needs to be pared down gradually.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What Singapore can do now is to develop young players, make sure they\u2019re ready for the SPL in four or five years, reduce the number of foreigners, and integrate local talent when they are ready, he added.<\/p>\n
On this note, FAS’ Mr Ong said the association will continue to ensure adequate game time for local players.<\/p>\n
Said the FAS deputy president: “We will also ensure development pathways remain clear for Singaporean players to grow.”<\/p>\n
While clubs such as Lion City Sailors (LCS) and BG Tampines Rovers have set the bar high, it remains to be seen whether the league has truly improved over the years, said some who spoke to CNA.<\/p>\n
The Sailors made local history last season as they reached the finals of\u00a0 the\u00a0AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) final. In this season’s edition of the tournament, BG Tampines have booked their spot in the round of 16.<\/span><\/p>\n “(If you look at) average quality of the clubs, I think we have not really improved,” said the SPL player. \u00a0“What LCS has done is something good, but the thing is, that is only LCS, the rest of the league are still lagging behind.”<\/p>\n Blogger Ko Po Hui, who has covered local football for close to three decades, said: “While both Lion City Sailors and BG Tampines Rovers have shown what they are capable of in the continental tournament(s) of late, it cannot hide the fact that the SPL still needs to work hard to improve its quality on various aspects like intensity and competitiveness.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n