Goal Programme - Football Association of Singapore - 2003

Football is without doubt the most popular sport with men and women alike in Singapore. Thanks to the support of the association, which was founded in 1892, Singapore's sportsmen and women enjoy strong competition, which has resulted in some notable success stories, such as Singapore's triumph in the Tiger Cup, one of Asia's most popular events. In 2003, Singapore played host to a women's football tournament that attracted a number of the world's top teams. This was just one of the association's many activities in an attempt to keep pace with the continent's giants. The association's determination is certainly paying off, as the Singapore men's team is currently 106th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, with the women 87th. These rankings are positive signs for Singapore and an accurate reflection of the association's «Goal 2010» endeavours, which are geared towards qualification for the World Cup finals in Africa in 2010.

After taking time to consider its options, the Singapore assonexpressed the need for an artificial pitch in Jalan Besar Stadium, which was approved by the Goal Bureau on 22 September 2004. The new pitch with international dimensions will save the association a great deal of time and money that it has hitherto been spending on maintaining the existing grass surface.