Epson Youth Challenge 2018 Wraps Up Another Exciting Year With Record Participant Numbers
Epson Youth Challenge 2018, organised by Epson Singapore and Geylang International Football Club (GIFC), witnessed an exciting finish at The Padang on Sunday, 29 July 2018, bringing the tournament to new heights with record numbers of participants. This year, over 1,400 participants from all over Singapore competed in the youth football tournament across nine categories.
Epson Youth Challenge 2018 represents the second year that Epson Singapore is sponsoring this tournament. This reflects the tech giant’s committed partnership with both GIFC and SportSG, and its strong dedication to supporting the development of youth football, as well as the local football scene in Singapore.
Mr. Toshimitsu Tanaka, Managing Director (Southeast Asia) of Epson Singapore said, “We’re excited that Epson Youth Challenge is back for the second year, and we’re thrilled to see so many wonderful and competitive teams this year that have brought the tournament to a new level in terms of youth participation. On behalf of all the organisers, I’d like to congratulate not just the winners, but all of the participants. We’ll be back bigger and better next year.”
One of the highlights from Epson Youth Challenge includes Muhamad Irfan Bin Muhamad Ariff and Muhammad’ Izzan Nabil Bin Zalani – both in the Under-16 categories – who were hand-picked by judges Mr. Takeshi Yamazaki, Academy Director of Matsumoto Yamaga FC in Japan, Mr. Hirotaka Usui, Head Coach of Geylang International FC, and Mr. Lim Tong Hai, Team Lead, ActiveSG Football Academy, as the tournament’s most valuable players. Both Irfan and Izzan will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in an overseas training stint with Matsumoto Yamaga FC in Japan later this year.
Muhamad Irfan Bin Muhamad Ariff, one of the Most Valuable Players of this year’s Epson Youth Challenge
The two most valuable players of the tournament were assessed and identified based on a variety of factors including performance, skills and techniques, dribbling and body movement, as well their ability to communicate with their team mates during the game and leadership skills.
Muhamad Irfan Bin Muhamad Ariff said, 16, said, “This recognition is proof that all my hard work has been paid off and I’m really thankful to all my team members, coaches, and everyone who was involved, for supporting me throughout this Epson Youth Challenge journey. I’m excited to be given this rare opportunity for an overseas training stint and I look forward to train with Matsumoto Yamaga FC this year.”
At Epson, sports is an integral part of our DNA and Epson Youth Challenge creates an opportunity for youths in Singapore to showcase their skills and talents, and potentially achieve their footballing dreams.
Geylang International Chairman Ben Teng said, “We are glad to be part of Epson Youth Challenge once again, and are proud that this tournament has become a regular and popular event in Singapore. One of GIFC’s key mission is to develop talents for the Singapore national football team and this is a great way for us to identify promising players from a young age.”
Epson Youth Challenge 2018 is 5-a-side tournament with a total of nine categories. The top three teams in each category walked away with Epson products and other attractive prizes. The tournament is held in partnership with Geylang International FC, and in support of GetActive! Singapore and Singapore Football Festival.
Mr. Lim Tong Hai, Team Lead, ActiveSG Football Academy said, “We would like to thank Epson Singapore and Geylang International for their efforts to encourage youths to play football and give them opportunities to chase their passion. More than just about winning, football is also about making friends and having fun. The ActiveSG Football Academy hopes to continue working with our partners to build a community that will keep these children playing football for years to come.”
Information Source : Epson Youth Challenge
