[ad_1]
SINGAPORE: Former international Stephen Ng has been named the new head coach of the women’s national team, the Singapore Football Association (FAS) said on Sunday (March 7).
“I see a lot of potential in women’s football in Singapore, and I wanted to be able to do something about it and contribute in my own way,” said Ng, who will serve a two-year term.
“As a coach with a passion for local soccer, being named the head coach of the Women’s National Team represents the greatest opportunity for me to make a difference and I am honored and proud to have been selected.”
The announcement was made by FAS during the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Soccer Day celebrations at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC (Kampong Glam) Denise Phua presenting a national jersey to Stephen Ng, along with FAS President Lim Kia Tong, on March 7, 2021. (Photo: FAS)
Ng will lead the Women’s National Team through competitions including Round 1 of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, the 2021 AFF Women’s Championship, as well as the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam.
He was selected from more than 160 applicants, local and foreign, FAS said in a press release.
Mr. Ng said that he is looking to develop the women’s team to compete regionally and internationally, and also hopes to increase the number of female coaches to accelerate the development of youth players.
His strategy is to simultaneously develop elite and amateur players, and to structure training programs for long-term development.
“I intend to build on the results of the people who have contributed to our women’s national teams in the past and work hard to create a prominent presence for us both in Southeast Asia and subsequently in Asia in the coming years,” said Ng.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Ng is an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) coach trainer and has also obtained the AFC professional coach diploma, which is the highest level of coach accreditation issued by the AFC.
He spent a total of six years in Brunei FA. During her time there, she helped develop girls ‘grassroots soccer by providing support for the education of girls’ coaches, including organizing girls ‘grassroots school festivals, as well as running training courses for girls’ coaches.
Ng cited her passion for helping develop women’s football as a key factor in assuming her current role at FAS.
He has had coaching experience at the youth level, leading the Singapore Under-14 in 2013.
During his 15-year career as a goalkeeper, he was involved with Sembawang Rangers FC, Tiong Bahru United and Gombak United during the then S-League and was also a member of the Singapore national team.
