With about 3.5 billion fans and 200 million players globally, football must be the world’s most popular sport. Therefore, it’s no surprise to find avid fans and players in SPD. In this third installment of our SPD Professionals’ Day series, please meet our Day Activity Centre (DAC) training officers, Shahidah Lam and Rena Lim, who are part of the Tanjong Pagar United FC Women’s Team. We got them to share about their love for o jogo bonito (The Beautiful Game in Portuguese).
UPDATES (U): When did you start playing football and why?
Shahidah (S): I have been playing football since primary school and progressed to playing competitively when I was 15 years old. I chose it over other sports because my family and I bond over football. We would sit down in the living room with snacks and shout “Goal!” together.
Rena (R): I was 9 or 10 years old when I started playing football at the void deck with my brother and our neighbour. I found it fun and started playing 11-a-side during secondary school.
U: What positions do you play in and which player do you look up to?
S: When I was younger, I would play in right midfield but as I got older, I command the defence more. I really liked David Beckham of England and Manchester United. Other than the fact that he is handsome, the way he curls the balls look very classy and effortless.
R: I started out as a defensive midfielder and then at left back. England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was one of my favourite players as I thought he was really good at distributing the ball.
U: What are some memorable incidents that happened on the pitch?
S: There was once when Rena was called in to join in a game midway as a substitute. Whilst running onto the pitch, her boots got stuck. She tripped over and fell. Our teammates and coaches laughed and shouted: “A frog tackled you, is it?”
R: Yes that. And also the fact that I have gotten many yellow cards ever since I started playing.
U: What are some challenges you face while playing?
R: My height. I am not tall so it is very hard for me to challenge taller opponents for the ball.
S: It would have to be guiding younger or inexperienced players on the field, especially when controlling the defence line.
U: Training in and playing for a local Women’s Premier League club must be tough! How do you juggle your commitments like work and family with training?
R: I train two to three times a week with the club. The following day I will ask for a massage from my colleague.
S: Honestly, I have no idea how I do it, but somehow I am doing so! I suppose that I just like to keep myself busy and plan my time properly. Of course, my work comes first!
What do DAC training officers do?
Training officers work with DAC clients, most of whom have physical or multiple disabilities, to nurture their self-help skills through a balanced and structured programme that focuses on social and recreational activities of daily living. Caregivers and family members of the DAC clients will also get the respite they need or choose to continue working without having to worry about the care of their disabled loved ones.
Did you know?
During the COVID-19 circuit-breaker in 2020, our DAC continued operating to support persons with disabilities whose caregivers were in the essential workforce and could not find alternative care arrangements, as well as those whose caregivers were too frail to care for them. Our DAC training officers ensured proper care and safety of the clients, whilst still adhering to the safety measures, so that their caregivers can continue to provide essential and healthcare services with a peace of mind.
U: What is your wish for the future of the local women’s football scene?
S: I hope to see progression and more support for women’s football clubs. Other than more visibility of the sport to garner more fans, I hope for better venues, facilities and sponsors.
R: I hope to see more women taking up football!
