By Shachin Ganesan (Captain), Ahmad Munthaha Sriwaluya (Vice-Captain), Eugene Leong Zuo Wei (Vice-Captain), Justin Liu Zi Ang (Quartermaster) and Gavin Ong Sher Shuen (Quartermaster)

Here at Raffles Football, we firmly believe in our motto, “Believe, Desire, Teamwork”, and we uphold this motto in everything we do, on and off the pitch. We may be a developmental CCA, but we always strive hard and put in our best efforts to achieve excellence.

When you train with us, be prepared to put in your utmost effort and push yourself beyond your limits, both mentally and physically. Every training session is an opportunity for you to improve, be it in terms of fitness, technical ability or tactical awareness. 

Just about anyone can join the football family here at Raffles. Whether you are an experienced player or a beginner who wants to learn more about the beautiful game, we welcome you with open arms. 

Many past and current members of Raffles Football possessed little experience when they first joined. However, through their hard work and dedication during the rigorous and well-structured training sessions, they were able to progress and develop the necessary skills required to compete in the ‘A’ Division National School Games (NSG) Championship.

Our coach cum teacher in-charge, Mr Iqbal, is a strict taskmaster during training sessions in which he sets high standards and pushes us to better ourselves in all areas of the game. To many players past and present, Mr Iqbal is a fatherly figure whom they forged a strong rapport with. His wit and great sense of humour never fail to bring laughter to the team. 

Mr Iqbal is an excellent coach whom you can always rely on. He has impeccable knowledge on football coaching methodologies such as technical and tactical drills, agility workouts, injury prevention and recovery methods that can help you improve and optimise your game, even if you have just started.

Training sessions are conducted twice weekly, every Monday and Thursday from 4.30pm to 8.00pm.  On top of the official training sessions, we often have friendly matches and physical fitness sessions. Though intense, our training sessions are always enjoyable.

You can expect training sessions to consist of possession games, passing and shooting drills, set pieces, and they almost always end off with a two-sided game in which we get to execute the footballing tactics that Mr. Iqbal teaches us.

Here at Raffles Football, we have the latest technology to help us track and analyse our performance during matches such as the VEO camera that automatically follows the on-field action and generates automated match statistical data for easy match analysis.

We even have GPS player tracking vests to record individual player data and ensure that our players are up to standard for the NSG. The RI stadium is fitted with the premium astroturf, which is a joy to play on.

Raffles Football is a close-knit family, and seniors from past batches often come back to help out the current team during NSG, providing invaluable advice to the players with their stirring pep talks. They have also often formed a team to provide a sparring partner for the current team to play against.

We were also a part of Gryphon Recall 2024. Alumni from as far back as Class of 1990 were invited to play in a mini tournament. Friendships were rekindled and everyone who attended had a great time.

Joining Raffles Football will help you develop holistically, both as a footballer and to become a better version of yourself. Mr. Iqbal emphasises that we train not just to get better at the sport, but also to become better people, as he inculcates good values in all of us. Believe, Desire, Teamwork – these are the three hallmarks of a Raffles Footballer.

If you’re interested in joining Raffles Football or would like to know more about the CCA, feel free to contact any Raffles Football member for more information and join us at CCA trials!