The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) today announced the appointment of Mihoko Ishida as Head Coach of the Singapore Women’s National Team. 

Ishida brings a distinguished background in women’s football, both as a player and as a coach. A forward by trade, the 43-year-old was signed by Arsenal Ladies (now known as Arsenal Women FC) after impressing during a college tour of England in 2003, going on to win the league and FA Cup alongside some of the most celebrated names in the women’s game, including Faye White — the longest-serving captain in England women’s history — and Alex Scott, who would go on to earn over 140 caps for the Lionesses.

After returning to Japan, Ishida finished her playing career with JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies before transitioning into coaching. She served as head coach of Sfida Setagaya FC, guiding them from the bottom half of Nadeshiko League Division Two to second place in the table, before joining Nippatsu Yokohama FC Seagulls in 2022 as coach and subsequently director.

On her decision to take the role, Ishida pointed to the opportunity to be part of something still being built. “One of the reasons I chose Singapore is the opportunity to take on challenges together as a group. It’s not something already completed — there is a strong appeal in building something from the ground up,” she said. Having held extensive discussions with FAS prior to her appointment, she cited the chance to be involved in the long-term growth and development of women’s football in Singapore as a defining factor in her decision.

Having had the chance to observe the squad during the Lionesses’ centralised training in the February window, Ishida described her first impressions as immediately positive, noting the players’ dedication in balancing football with their working lives. “The first thing I felt was the players’ dedication. They choose football while balancing their work lives. I saw strength, resilience, and a refusal to make excuses,” she said. “I want to fully support them so that their love for football becomes confidence, and their individuality can shine on the pitch.”

Her coaching philosophy centres on an environment where players are encouraged to take initiative and think for themselves on the pitch. “My style is about continuing to try without fear of mistakes,” Ishida said. “Players are not being forced — but there is structure and discipline. And all players are equal. Every player in Singapore has a chance.”

Ishida, who has signed a two-year contract with FAS, expressed her ambition to leave a lasting foundation for the women’s game in Singapore. “Within this period, I want everyone involved in women’s football in Singapore to feel proud of this work. Perhaps in five or ten years, the environment may change dramatically. This moment might be the foundation for that future.”

Yeong Sheau Shyan, Chairperson of the FAS Women’s Committee and FAS Council Member, said: “Women’s football in Singapore is on the rise, but we are still of amateur status. The players are studying or working full time, training after office hours and playing in the league on weekends. We wanted someone who had playing and coaching experience at both the amateur and professional level — someone who could understand our players’ situation and inspire them.”

Ms Yeong also highlighted the value of Coach Ishida’s grounding in Japan’s approach to player development and coach education. “Since establishing the WE League, Japan’s investment in women’s football and coach education has produced many elite female coaches, and they have shown us year after year how smaller-physique Asians can compete on the international stage. We hope Coach Ishida can share that knowledge and expertise with us — not just for our seniors, but to help shape our youth development.”