By Aadharsh Kathirvel (26S05B, Boys’ Captain), Amar Haikal (26S06Q) and Utkarsh Ram Vashishth (26S06F) (Boys’ Vice-Captains), Vladimir Hezel Bonapasogit (26S02A) and Luke Chin (26S05A) (Boys’ Quartermasters), Ng Sok Yi (26A01D, Girls’ Captain), and Bernadette Kong (26S06H, Girls’ Vice-Captain) 

Football at Raffles is more than just a sport—it is a journey of belief, desire, and teamwork. Whether you are part of the Boys’ or Girls’ teams, we welcome all players regardless of experience or background. Many of us started with little to no competitive experience, but through commitment, resilience, and passion, we have grown into strong teams that leave our mark both on and off the field. 

Both teams train hard and play harder. Training sessions combine physical conditioning, technical drills, tactical work, and video analysis to sharpen performance. State-of-the-art tools like the VEO ball-tracking camera, GPS tracking vests, and video breakdowns give players detailed insights into their game. Sessions are tough but rewarding, pushing every member to improve while building resilience and lifelong bonds. 

Boys’ Football  

Raffles Football (Boys) has achieved back-to-back ‘A’ Division National School Games (NSGs) semi-finals, finishing 4th in 2024 and 2025—a very commendable achievement and one in which we are super proud of! 

At the heart of this success is Coach Mr. Iqbal. More than a coach, he is a mentor, motivator, and fatherly figure to the team. His high standards on the field are matched by his deep care for each player’s growth off of it. He believes in tough but fair training: every drill pushes the boys beyond their limits, yet he always maintains a lively, motivating atmosphere where laughter and encouragement balance intensity. 

What sets Coach Iqbal apart is his ability to see potential where others might not. He patiently guides players who may have started with little to no experience, teaching them to believe in themselves and to trust the team. His tactical knowledge is second to none, and he uses video analysis and data-driven insights not only to sharpen skills but also to help players understand the game at a deeper level. Many describe him as the “engine” of the team—instilling resilience, discipline, and unity while ensuring that every boy feels part of a brotherhood. 

We only wear red during National Day Celebration… On the field, it’s green, black, white! 

Girls’ Football  

Raffles Football (Girls) has shown equally inspiring results, clinching 3rd place at the 2022 NSGs and 4th in 2024, while putting up a strong fight in 2025. Guided by Coach Mr. Leong, whose meticulous training plans and warm mentorship bring out the best in every player, the team has built a close-knit family where encouragement, laughter, and care flow both on and off the pitch. 

Coach Leong’s approach balances discipline with joy. With his sharp eye for detail and years of experience, he tailors tactics to the team’s strengths, even optimising the skills of complete beginners. He constantly checks in with players, encourages them through challenges, and never fails to bring laughter to the field. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: every girl has something unique to contribute, and when combined, these individual strengths form a team that is resilient, creative, and united. 

Life in Girls’ Football extends well beyond drills and matches. The team shares countless off-pitch memories—from post-training dinners to bonding camps, from baking snacks for one another to long heart-to-heart talks. These experiences cement friendships that last far beyond the two years in JC. Annual end-of-year camps and regular friendlies with other schools give players opportunities to grow, test themselves, and deepen their bonds. 

On the field, training sessions are intense but fulfilling. Mondays are reserved for physical training, focusing on stamina, strength, and speed—the essentials for lasting through a 90-minute game. Tuesdays and Fridays centre on ball work, positioning, and tactical drills, culminating in full-field matches where everything learned is put to the test. Every session ends not just with sweat, but with smiles and a stronger sense of togetherness. 

The girls share meals, attend camps, and support one another through victories and challenges alike, embodying the mantra: 

Every girl can play football. 
We are friends before footballers. We are students before athletes.  
We build a family before building a football team. 
We have the desire; we work hard; we believe. 
But we will always remember to have fun. 

Training and Culture 

Both teams train three times a week supported by our passionate group of teachers, Mr Chong, Mr Kamel and Ms Leow, with a mix of physical training, ball drills, and full-field practice games. Training intensifies before the NSGs, and players often stay back late, driven not by obligation but by passion. Friendlies, video analysis sessions, and annual camps keep the teams sharp and united. 

Ultimately, football at Raffles is not just about medals or results—though we are proud of our achievements. It is about the friendships forged, the character built, and the joy of the game. If you have passion, come join us. No matter your experience level, you will find a place here. 

Raffles Football—Desire, Work Hard, Believe. And always, have fun.