U.S/Singapore Soccer Exchange Programme

Words contributed by Natasha Mustika

 

Photo source: U.S. Embassy Singapore facebook

 Just a week ago, 4 former U.S. Women International soccer players namely Janine Szpara, Anna Shortt, Karen Willoughby and Val Henderson flew into Singapore to conduct soccer clinics for women soccer players in the US/Singapore Soccer Exchange Programme.

The Exchange is part of the U.S. Embassy’s broader sports diplomacy initiative to foster greater mutual understanding between the youth of the United States and Singapore. Working with Football Association of Singapore (FAS), the program is specifically tailored for girls to promote women’s empowerment through sports and inspire them through activities such as soccer.

The RPWST girls, together with some Singapore National team players, at the 6 Dec clinic.
Photo source: U.S. Embassy Singapore facebook

The RPWST girls were involved in the clinic and needless to say, it was a fun-filled and enjoyable programme for them as they gained new knowledge and insights from the 4 of the former US International soccer players. 

The clinic for the polytechnic girls was to be held on the 6 December however, heavy rain dampened the spirits and there was no chance for the girls to even step on the field. Throughout the two hour session, the team had the opportunity to interact with the 4 Coaches and within the short session, all the participants gathered in a room where they were taught the importance of problem solving and awareness of their surrounding through playing simple ice breaking games.

The girls in the classroom session.
Photo source: U.S. Embassy Singapore facebook

The girls participating in the ice breaking games.
Photo source: U.S. Embassy Singapore facebook

After the session ended, the girls were disappointed that they did not have the chance to strip down to their soccer boots and learn from the coaches however, they were told that they could instead join in another session with the American school participants on the coming Saturday.

While the Saturday's session was held early in the morning, it was all worth it. Everyone had fun learning from the different coaches and at the same time, they made new friends! All in all, the RPWST girls managed to learn basic skills such as dribbling, ball control, shooting and also played in small sided games such as 1v1 and 6v6 under the scorching sun, which resulted in the girls bringing home some tan-lines on their thighs and arms.

Needless to say, it was a great opportunity given to the team! Who would miss such a golden opportunity like this?

Thank you FAS for organizing this Soccer Programme and Thank You to the U.S. Embassy for arranging and bringing in Janine Szpara, Anna Shortt, Karen Willoughby and Val Henderson to conduct a great clinic for us all, the girls definitely had an unforgettable time!

Check out some photos below:

The RPWST girls with 3 of the coaches.

Some fun posings...

Down by the tracks at the American School...

Captain Natasha with 2 of the Coaches.

Sheu and the coaches with her sexy poses...

Another team photo...

That's all we have for you! Next up, we catch up with our alumni/graduates, Sha sha, Dilys and Fifi on their journey at the ASEAN University Games' 2012 when they are back!

That GOLD!

The POL-ITE Women's Soccer '2012 has come to an end and needless to say, it has been a great tournament for the team as for the very first time, they finished as Champions! We have Raudha, who shares with us the about the entire POL-ITE 2012 experience and the matches.

Words by Raudha

Being part of the POL-ITE school team has really taught me a lot of things, from the beginning till the end. It mainly taught me not to give up easily and to fight till the end in order to reach our goals. Working hard together as a team and encouraging one another are the key points that made us stronger as a team and brought us closer to one another as teammates. On top of that, setting the right mentality before each game is the most important factor. Without the right mentality, we would not have been able to perform well. 

For our first match against NYP, we defeated them 6-1. This was definitely a good start as it brought up the team moral and gave us the drive to continue fighting hard. I can see the team spirit growing and I am definitely proud of everyone’s performance on that day.

For our second match against SP, we had another victory in the bag and won the match 5-0. Although the game was not as lively as the first match, we continued to work hard to earn as many goals as we can. 

For our third match against ITE, I thought that this game was the toughest and most challenging, as ITE has always been a good and strong team. Honestly when I heard that they trashed SP 9-0, it somehow made me more nervous for the team. This was not the reason for us to give up but it was actually the time to show people that we can do it. With the aggressiveness, hard work and not forgetting, the right mentality, we managed to overcome them with the score of 2-1. It was really a tough fight but at the same time, it was satisfying to overcome this challenge.

For our fourth match, it was against TP. We worked really hard for this match and played hard to win this match as it brought us one step closer in becoming the Champion. We managed to beat them 3-0 and I couldn’t describe how happy I was at that moment. Seeing the seniors’ eyes filled with tears of joy, I was really overjoyed and that was one of the happiest moments.

Our last game with NP was unfortunately as we were beaten with the score of 2-0. It was disappointing as I felt that the team could have done better than that but nevertheless, I believed that the team had put effort in this. 

To sum it all up, I am proud of each and everyone in the team. With blood, sweat and tears, we have proved others and naysayers wrong in becoming the Champions for the first time. I hope we can remain as Champions through working hard and never giving up. I also believe that we can go far and gain recognition with pride.

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As part of this special post, we have a few photos from the medal and trophy-presentation:

The Committee '2012 (L-R): The entire team Commitee, Team Treasurer Eve, Team Manager Sarah, Captain Natasha, v-Captain Magdalene and Assist. Team Manager Jerene, gets a hand on the prized trophy!
Photo: Immy

The Captain gets lifted for the huge Achievement...
Photo: Immy

.. and gets the trophy placed on her head by goalkeeper Phoebe!
Photo: Immy

Fun shot
Photo: Immy

Another, with the golden prized trophy.
Photo: Immy

Everyone wants a hand on that trophy!
Photo: Immy

Altogether now for a team photo, with the shiny gold medal proudly hung
around their necks.
Photo: Immy

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That's all we have for you! We hoped you have enjoyed this POL-ITE Season and that you will continue to show your support for this team! In the mean time, have a good week everyone!

That's alot of views!

This post is of non-soccer relevance but the fact that our blog has a high of 7,770 page views in total (oh yes, you can buy 4D with that) since this blog was born, is just incredible. Blogger has broken down the figures and we have a total of 52 page viewers from 3 countries:

• Singapore / 45 page views
• United States / 6 page views
• Philippines / 1 page views
  

Well, technically it is only 2 countries. However, it is also nice to have international people viewing or chancing upon this blog and finding out about our team in this little tiny island in Asia called Singapore!

Nonetheless, thank you for coming to visit our blog to check on updates, though we hardly have any photos for you (we apologize for that)! Well, with that said, do check back our blog for updates once in a while and leave your comments or feedback at the end of the entry if you have something to say!

POL-ITE Games 2012!

Here we are again, at the Tournament that is held annually. Yes, POL-ITE Games, that is!

This year, the matches are played over a few venues and across the various polytechnics, unlike last year where all the matches were played in RP. If you have been following our twitter, you would have read all the updates of the scores. Apologies that we are unable to bring you plenty of photos from the match.

Anyway!

3 matches have been played and RPWST have collected all 9 points from it! Below is a summary of the matches:

• First match against Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) was a victory of 6-1 with a hat-trick from National player, Ernie, a double from Emiliah and a goal from Yun Ting.
  
  
• Second match against Singapore Polytechnic (SP) was also a victory of 5-0 with another hat-trick from Ernie and 2 goals from Farhana.
  
  
• The recent third match against reigning Champions, Combined Institute Technical Education (ITE), was a close 2-1 win with goals from Farhana and Shank (penalty). This match was definitely hard to watch with a 1-1 scoreline with 15 minutes before the final whistle. However, with a mere 5 minutes remaining, RPWST was awarded a penalty and Shank ensured another 3 points by scoring from the spot!

3 matches, 9 points with a total of 12 goals scored and 2 goals conceded. 

Next match would be against the newcomers of the tournament (in this sport discipline), Temasek Polytechnic (TP). Match kicks off at 6pm on home soil at the Home of Team Republic! Will it be a fourth straight win for RPWST? Be there at the Home of the Republic tomorrow, 6pm to catch all the exciting action to find out!

Let us know your thoughts or tweet us on our twitter (@rpwst) or hash tag us #rpwst and #politegamesg!

Guess That Player!

It's Friday again and we are into our 3rd Guess That Player (GTP)!

But before we go on, for those who have been guessing...the owner of the boots in the 2nd GTP is Has!

Now for the 3rd one, let's see how good you are.

This person is loud and bubbly. On the field, she is unpredictable.

Make a guess and answer will be revealed next Friday!

Guess That Player!

It's Friday again! Did you get our first one right? Did you managed to guess who the player is from a portion of the boots?

Here's the answer - the player was Shank!

Let's see if you can guess our second one...should be a slightly easier...

A left footed player who is aggressive on the field.

Who is that player? Make your guess by commenting below and the answer will be revealed next Friday!

Kuala Lumpur!

In the recent trip to KL, we have our player, Samira, who shares about the trip...

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Words by Samira Filzah Bte Kamal

We headed to Kuala Lumpur where we spent 5 days 4 nights. We left at 7am on 13 Sept and returned on 17 September, reaching back approximately 7pm. 

A match against the Malaysia Under-16 Team was planned ahead for us on the same day we arrived at Kuala Lumpur. Lacking of motivation and perseverance, we lost 1-4. During the match debrief, team communication and confidence were covered. The next day, we drew 0-0 in our second match against the Malaysia's Under-18 Team with better team confidence. We were rewarded with a night at the pool, led by our medic, Fifi, however, the pool session was short-lived as our noise level were intolerable and we were instructed to leave the premises.

An invitation to a carnival, hosted by SMK Taman Tuanku Jaafar, occupied our weekends. We were separated into 2 teams - Dream Team and Dreaming Team. The scores of 1-1 and 1-3 from each team left Coach Arasu disappointed as it showed an inconsistency performance. 

Us outside noodle station with our Advisor (far right, in pink top) Fazilah.
Photo credit: Aisyah

On the 4th day, we had a team bonding event whereby we challenged ourselves and our fear of heights (for some of us) in high elements consisting of flying fox, abseiling and rock climbing. It was indeed a good experience for us all, despite some of us taking more than 20 minutes to complete one obstacle! At the end of the day, everyone pushed themselves and did more than they could, with motivations and cheers from the team. The high elements were definitely a Challenge By Choice, as mentioned by the instructor himself.

One of us at scaling the high elements
Photo credit: Aisyah

The 4th day ended with given free time to roam and shop! It was the only time where we could let our hair down and not think about soccer. After 3 hours, everyone returned with countless purchases in our hands, burning a big hole in our pockets!

On the last day, we traveled to International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) for our last match. Despite our early lead early in the game, we didn't manage to win the match as ISKL equalized in the last minute. It was a tough match and it was definitely not a score that we had envisioned. After 4 days in KL, it was time to return home but before we went our separate ways, we had a team dinner.

All in all, the time spent together during the trip could not be more memorable and if you think we are separable, we are not! 

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Oh and on the second recovery session at the pool, the team were not chased to leave the pool! Well, because they all lowered their volume...

Guess that player!

Today marks our first Guess That Player! Yes, we will be having this new segment, every Friday...!

How do you guess? You will guess through a part of an image of a RPWST player's boot, along with a description of the player. See if you can get them right!

Here's our first:

This player is a hardworking player, is a very fun and easy person to get along with.

 Can you guess who is it? Comment below!

Gangnam Style in KL

With the popular and trending (for now) gangnam style. The team decided to pull one off during their recent trip to KL. Here, a few of them pulled off the dance move in a candid fashion:

We do it the RPWST way!

What say you?

Racial Harmony Futsal!

Yes, RPWST took part in Singapore's first ever Racial Harmony Challenge futsal, organized by 1st Magic Footwerkz, on a hot weekend...

The racial harmony futsal event was slightly different as compared to Diva La but everyone still enjoyed themselves. Though many of the players were injured, they showed passion and determination to give their all throughout the few matches that they played. Putting aside the results, it was a great and fun day.

At the end of the day, all the team wanted is to forge better friendship, teamwork and bond which they definitely did so! So, well done!

All the girls (who were present) takes a team shot in their blue outfits for the day.
Photo credits to Immy

All the Glitz and Glamor

Every year at Glitz, many Team Republic athletes are being honored for their achievements, big or small, in their own area of sports! Of course, we are not left out.

This year, RPWST award winners were:

RP Athlete Development Grant
Magdalene
Natasha

Meritorious Silver
Fifi
Jannah
Sheu

Certificate of Merit
Ain
Magdalene
Salasiah
Sarah
Wan

Congratulations to our players who have received their awards this year and a double Congratulations to our Captain and v-Captain, Natasha and Mag, for receiving double awards for the night!

The entire team come together for a team photo, together with Coach Arasu (far right in yellow shirt)

Hopefully next year's Glitz will see more of our players receiving awards!

DIVA LA X!

Yes, it's yet again another year that the team participated in Diva La Futbol for the fourth time! This year, Diva La Futbol celebrated it's 10th edition and we have Eve, our team treasurer, who shares with us what happened over the 2 days of the competition...
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This year, Diva La Futbol celebrated its tenth anniversary! To commemorate and celebrate it's tenth year, Diva La Futbol spread the event out over two days!

The first day was targeted at School Teams and the second day was aimed at the Open category! This year, Republic Polytechnic Women’s Soccer Team (RPWST) sent in not one, not two but three teams due to the high interest in participating!

On 9 June, Saturday, the Blue team, captained by Imaniah, the girls went in with a strong mindset to play well and last through the entire day. It was a scorching hot and humid day, but the girls lasted through it together putting all their efforts into the games. Ultimately, the girls won 4 matches, drew 4 matches and lost 1. Although they did not go home with any medals, the girls went home, proud of themselves, with more knowledge on how they can play better, and a much stronger bond! Thanks to our captain, Natasha and our senior Fifi for coming down to support us! 

Team Blue
 (Back row, L-R):Fiqah, Imaniah, Evepreet, Mag, Farhana, Maslinda)
(Front row, L-R): Sarah and Shank

Team Incredible Bulk
(Back row, L-R): Siti Aisha, Kimberly, Yun Ting, Jannah and Farhana
(Front row, L-R): Natasha, Era and Jerene

On the second blistering and warm day, it was Team Incredible Bulk's turn to play. Living up to their team name, the girls played strong and hard and were awarded 3rd placing in the Diva La Plate!

Team Iron Women
(L-R): Emiliah, Mirah, Phoebe, Farhanah, Khai, Jayme and Aisyah

The third team sent in by RPWST was dubbed the Iron Women. It was tough luck for them as they had only 6 players. The team played their iron hearts out but made an early exit in the knockout stages. Nonetheless, they left Diva La Futbol with more playing experience.

Team VDFC
(Back row, L-R): Nicole, Zahidah, Salasiah, Wana, Fifi, Sheu, Samatha
(Front row, L-R): Mag and Jannah

The seniors’ team were named VDFC. They played long and hard, almost clinching a place in the champion’s cup. However, they were awarded 4^th place due to a loss during the penalties. Nevertheless, they played well and we’re proud of them!

All in all, everyone enjoyed the 10th annual Diva La Futbol competition and are hoping to participate again next year. It was both a great learning experience for all who to hope to take away whatever skills they have learnt and put it to use in trainings and for the upcoming annual POL-ITE Games!

An interview with the Captain!

Natasha in school colors for RPWST

Today, we bring you a special interview with our (very busy) Captain, Mustika Natasha! It is a rare chance to have the time to have an interview with a Captain, who is busy ensuring that things are well among the team, from the admin stuff to everything that happens on the field.

In recent months, our Captain got a call up to the National Women's Team! An opportunity that every girl dreams of, an opportunity that comes once in a blue moon. We must admit that we are proud of our Captain, who have done well and displayed good skills on the field. We spent a few minutes to sit down and talk about her call up...


What was your reaction when you were informed of your call up to the National Team?

Natasha: Honestly, I never expect myself to be called up for nationals. It was definitely a surprise to me when I was approached for this. Being new to this sport, having only played for a year or so now, I feel that everything is coming at me too fast thus I'm slowly taking my time to enjoy whatever that I have right now.

I only agreed to play in AMK FC because I wanted more exposure in this sport and of course, I want to go against better players and learn from them as well. To be called up for the national team is definitely a bonus, and it gives me a sense of achievement, knowing that I can only do better from now on.

Natasha in action for her club, AMK FC
(Photo courtesy of Women's Football in Singapore)

Has it always been a dream for you to be wearing your country's colors in this sport? 

Natasha: Yes, ever since stepping into this sport last year, I have always imagined myself representing the country and playing with and against the best players. Having played with national players like Ernie and Wati, I really admire them and I actually set goals for myself to eventually be as good as them or if not, better.

I still have a long way to go to reach up to their standard definitely, but I'll work my hearts out to play this sport that I love.

Any word of info yet on who you are going to play against in national colors?

Natasha: Actually, due to family commitments and school, I haven't gone to any national trainings ever since the call up. I have my own reasons, which are mainly due to family problems and that I'm afraid if I were to commit myself to this, I will not have enough time for RPWST.

I know opportunities like this only comes once in a lifetime, but I believe that I still have a long way to go, doesn't matter if I'm a national player or not.

You create good long passes and create some good shots. What are your secret ingredients to that?

Natasha: It takes sweat and determination to get to where I am right now. I can say that I've been an annoying junior to my seniors, always bugging them for demonstrations and answers. I'm glad I have Sheu, Fifi, and Jannah, who always take time off to teach me the correct techniques to kick and such.

I believe that failure teaches success and only from the mistakes that I've made, I will be able to better myself as a player and also as an individual.

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We wish Natasha all the best in her pursuit of soccer!

Well, that's all we have for you! If you'd like to check her out in action, you can do so this Friday, 715pm on our home ground as the team takes on their alumni!

See you there!

New kids on the block

Every year, there are new "kids" who join the team and needless to say, it is always good to have new additional players and many pairs of fresh legs! We are not sure whether they have been liking or hating how tough the trainings are, but without a doubt, the trainings will definitely make them a better player and keep them prepared for the competitions ahead!

The new girls after training.

Let the games begin!

Needless to say, it was a hot and scorching Saturday as our 7v7 Futsal took place at our very own turf.

Lots of good fun and good skills and all in all, a good day for all players and helpers! Check out the photos below.

2 of the committee members, Eve and Sheu come together for a shot.

The men in action.

The women in action.


Redbull gives you wings! Always essential for a game of soccer.

WOMEN'S CATEGORY

3rd place for the Women's category

2nd place for the Women's Category

Congratulations to the Champion!

MEN'S CATEGORY

3rd place

2nd place

Congratulations to the Champions!

A huge congratulations to all winners and participants alike! Also, a huge thank you to our committee who have put in many weeks of hard work to get everything done and organized in preparing for this event!

To view more photos, please visit the event's facebook page!

F...ff....Fiesta!

It's time of the year again and hello to the annual Student Life Activities (SLA) Fiesta 2012!

This year, we had our booth right at South Agora as compared to last year where we were hidden at the Agora Hall. Needless to say, it was packed with plenty of students and with the new freshmen and women joining the school, it meant competition for every Sports Team as they compete to see which team has the most number of sign-ups!

We do hope that you have visited our booth during the past 2-3 days and that you have joined our team! Else, you can always look for us at the soccer field on Wednesdays and Fridays and approach our friendly Captain, Natasha or v-Captain, Mag and inform them of your interest in joining the team...

The committee with our graduand/ex v-Captain, Sheu (in dark green) and
one of our men's soccer team player, poses for a photo at the booth.

That's all we have for now! See you at the field and follow us on our twitter - @rpwst

2nd Medal!

If you have been following our twitter, you would have read that we achieved another medal! This time, it is a 3rd place finish in the recent SMU Soccer Invitational League.

All gather for a photo together with their 2nd bronze medal hung proudly around
their necks and in their uniform green/yellow top.

Hooray for the 2nd medal in 4 months!

It's all for Charity!

If you are an RP student and you see this poster and you are a soccer player, register yourself into this Charity Futsal! That's right, it's all for Charity! So, you kill 2 birds with 1 stone by having a ball of fun and also donating to Charity!

Hurry up before the deadline closes!