The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Amateur Leagues Awards Night 2025 was a celebration of trophies and titles, but most of all, the people who sustain the game at its most fundamental level. Players, coaches, administrators, and volunteers from across the amateur football pyramid gathered to reflect on a season defined by commitment, resilience, and collective effort.

Hosted by the wonderful Colette Wong, opening the evening was Desmond Ong, Deputy President of the FAS, who set the tone with a heartfelt tribute to the amateur football community. He emphasised that while the professional game often commands the spotlight, amateur football is driven by something far more enduring. “Tonight, we honour the people who turn up rain or shine, through aches and pains, for the purest reason of all – the love of the game,” Ong said. “Amateur football isn’t glamorous. There are no packed stadiums or media attention. So why do it? Commitment.”

He highlighted the sacrifices made by players, coaches, and administrators, many of whom juggle full-time jobs alongside football responsibilities, often at the expense of personal time. While acknowledging that only a limited number of names would be called on the night, Ong stressed that every contribution mattered.

Ong also reaffirmed FAS’ commitment to strengthening the amateur football ecosystem, expressing hope that future Amateur Awards Nights could be held alongside the SPL Awards Night – a symbolic recognition that amateur contributions are no less significant, and in many ways, form the backbone of Singapore football.

Women’s Premier League (WPL): Albirex’s Historic Breakthrough

The 2025 Women’s Premier League season delivered a long-awaited milestone as Albirex Niigata FC (S) captured their first league title after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Setting the pace early, Albirex dominated the campaign with 15 wins from 16 matches to finish on 45 points.

Their success was shaped by leadership, experience, and consistency. Player-coach Kana Kitahara balanced her dual role seamlessly, while Ruriko Takashima led the attack with 29 goals to claim the Golden Boot. The title also secured Albirex qualification for the 2026/27 AFC Women’s Champions League, marking a major step forward for both club and league.

The league’s competitiveness was further reflected in Still Aerion WFC’s second-place finish – their first top-three result since 2016 – and Lion City Sailors’ strong campaign in third. Defensive standards also improved league-wide, highlighted by Lutfiah Hannah’s seven clean sheets.

Key WPL Award Winners:

• Golden Boot: Ruriko Takashima (Albirex Niigata FC (S)
• Young Player of the Year: Sarah Zu’risqha (Lion City Sailors)
• Coach of the Year: Jeremy Chiang (Still Aerion WFC)
• Goal of the Year: Kyra Taylor (Geylang International FC)
• Golden Glove: Lutfiah Hannah (Still Aerion WFC)
• Fair Play Award: Albirex Niigata FC (S), Hougang United FC, Tiong Bahru FC

Women’s National League (WNL): A Season of Fine Margins

The Women’s National League proved to be one of the most tightly contested competitions of the year, with the title decided only on the final matchday. Mattar Sailors FC emerged champions after maintaining composure under pressure, edging Jungfrau Punggol FC, while Eastern Thunder FC finished third.

Mattar Sailors combined attacking fluency with defensive discipline, scoring 51 goals while conceding just eight. Jungfrau Punggol were spearheaded by Serena Bok, whose 15 goals earned her the Golden Boot, while Eastern Thunder’s defensive solidity was anchored by Golden Glove winner Nur Izyan.

The season also saw a strong debut from Unity FC, reinforcing the WNL’s growing depth and its importance as a developmental platform for women’s football.

Key WNL Award Winners:

• Golden Boot: Serena Bok (Jungfrau Punggol FC)
• Golden Glove: Nur Izyan (Eastern Thunder FC)
• Coach of the Year: Izz Haziq (Mattar Sailors)
• Fair Play Award: Eastern Thunder FC, GDT Circuit FC

Singapore Football League 1 (SFL 1): Consistency Rewarded

The 2025 Singapore Football League 1 season was decided by the narrowest of margins, with Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) crowned champions on goal difference after finishing level on points with Jungfrau Punggol FC.

SCC’s success was built on defensive organisation and match control, conceding just 10 goals across 14 matches. While goals were shared across the squad, individual honours went to Fariz Faizal of Singapore Khalsa Association, who claimed the Golden Boot with 11 goals.

The season reflected rising tactical maturity across the division, underlining SFL 1’s role as the pinnacle of amateur football competition.

Key SFL1 Award Winners:

• Player of the Year: Ilhan Noor (Police Sports Association)
• Coach of the Year: Yahya Madon (PSA)
• Golden Boot: Fariz Faizal (Singapore Khalsa Association)
• Fair Play Award: Police Sports Association

Singapore Football League 2 (SFL 2): Belief Until the Final Whistle

The SFL 2 season delivered late drama, culminating in Bishan Barx FC clinching their first league title with a decisive final-day performance.

Receiving individual recognition, Amirul Walid, who also claimed the Golden Boot, paid tribute to the collective effort behind Warwick Knights’ success. South Avenue SC finished close behind and earned promotion, while Warwick Knights FC added attacking flair to the division, with Amirul Walid finishing the season as top scorer with 24 goals.

Key SFL2 Award Winners:

• Golden Boot: Amirul Walid (Warwick Knights FC)
• Coach of the Year: Suwito Suma (Bishan Barx)
• Fair Play Award: Bishan Barx FC

Island Wide League (IWL): Grassroots Football at Its Core

The Island Wide League showcased the depth and diversity of grassroots football, featuring 21 teams across three groups in a highly competitive format. Gymkhana FC emerged champions after an unbeaten run, sealing the title with an extra-time victory over Tanah Merah United FC in the final. Both finalists earned promotion to SFL 2 for the 2026 season, reinforcing the IWL’s role as a vital entry point into the football pyramid.

Voices from the Touchline: Jeremy Chiang on the Women’s Game

One of the evening’s most personal moments came from Jeremy Chiang, WPL Coach of the Year nominee and a key figure in women’s football development. Speaking candidly while receiving his award, Chiang reflected on his journey and the collective nature of success.

He credited his club and players for their performances, emphasising that individual awards belonged to the team rather than the coach. Chiang also acknowledged national team head coach Karim, thanking him for the opportunity to be part of the national setup and the learning experience it provided.

Most notably, Chiang highlighted the quality and excitement of the women’s league. “It’s not every day you get such a solid, exciting, and competitive league,” he said, pointing to the presence of World Cup and SEA Games players across teams. “So come and watch the league – this season is going to be a very interesting one.”

Celebrating the Foundation of the Game

As the evening drew to a close, the message was clear: amateur football remains the heartbeat of Singapore’s football ecosystem. Through dedication rather than recognition, and commitment rather than reward, the 2025 season stood as a testament to the people who keep the game alive week after week, and the spirit that makes football possible.

Photo Credit: Football Association of Singapore