January 27th, 2026 | Broadcast
The inaugural Under-12 Copa Simha (“Lion Cup”) football festival, organised by SingaCup Pte Ltd of Singapore in association with Lanka Sportreizen, is to be held in Colombo.
By Nevil Anthony – The football festival will be held on 25 and 26 April.
Selvakumar Panneerselvam, Managing Director of SingaCup Pte Ltd, Singapore, said the first-ever Under-12 Copa Simha football tournament is being held in Sri Lanka with the aim of encouraging football among children in under-served areas of the country.
We are holding this tournament with children in under-served areas in mind. Because it is being held in Sri Lanka for the first time, the number of participating teams will not be limited. Any number of teams will be allowed to take part. We hope the children’s football event we are holding in Colombo will be a success. After that, we intend to hold tournaments for boys aged 8, 14 and 16 as well. We also intend to extend the tournament to other districts.
Selvakumar Panneerselvam
In the Copa Simha tournament in Sri Lanka, the schedule will be drawn up so that every team plays at least four matches in the first round. The teams leading at the end of the first round will qualify for the knockout round. The team that becomes champion will get the opportunity to take part in the SingaCup tournament to be held in Singapore in November.
Selvakumar Panneerselvam
About SingaCup
The article states that the SingaCup (“Lion Cup”) 11-a-side football tournament in Singapore has been held continuously since 2015. Initially staged only for 12-year-olds, the tournament is now also held for the under-8, under-10, under-14 and under-16 age groups. Between 170 and 180 teams from more than 15 countries take part in these tournaments.
Selvakumar Panneerselvam provided these details.
Source: Virakesari (Tamil)
Article Link: https://www.virakesari.lk/article/237178
December 1st, 2025 | Broadcast
Jakarta: Achieving another achievement, Al Azhar 6 Jakapermai Islamic Junior High School managed to make an international achievement through its student, Harley Isnaini Ifwa. Together with the Tajimalela Football Academy (FA) U-14 Team, Harley won 1st place at the prestigious SingaCup 2025 event which was attended by teams from various Asian countries.
Not only being one of the key players, Harley is also trusted as the Captain of the Tajimalela FA U-14 Team. His role is crucial as the team’s main mover, demonstrating leadership skills, calmness, and strategy that are able to motivate all team members when facing pressure and fatigue.
This contribution was made possible thanks to the solid cooperation of all members of the Tajimalela FA U-14 Team, with Harley contributing four goals from the seven matches played by the team.
Tajimalela FA U-14 Assistant Coach, Achmad Rifani gave high appreciation for the role of his team captain. “As a team, Harley can be a leader, as a leader on the field that makes friends motivated. His contribution to the team has proven to be great,” said Rifani in his statement, Thursday, November 20, 2025.
The Principal of Al Azhar 6 Islamic Junior High School Jakapermai expressed his gratitude and pride for this achievement. “This achievement not only makes the school proud, but also proves the quality of character training, sportsmanship, and excellence that we have instilled in the students,” he said.
In addition, the Waqaf Al Muhajirien Jakapermai Foundation also gives full appreciation and support to the outstanding students, and hopes that this achievement can be a motivation for all students to continue to try, practice, and develop their potential at the national and international levels.
This achievement also affirms the school’s commitment to producing a superior generation who not only excel in the academic field, but also excel in the non-academic field in the global arena.
November 20th, 2025 | Broadcast
Tajimalela became the champion led by Harley Isnaini Ifwa. This is a proud achievement for Indonesia.
Liputan6.com, Jakarta- A proud achievement was achieved by one of Indonesia’s representatives at the 2025 SingaCup. The Tajimalela Football Academy (FA) team became the champion which was followed by teams from various Asian countries.
Tajimalela became the champion led by Harley Isnaini Ifwa who is a student of Al Azhar 6 Islamic Junior High School Jakapermai. Not only being one of the key players, Harley is also trusted as the Captain of the Tajimalela FA U-14 Team.
His role is crucial as the team’s main mover, demonstrating leadership skills, calmness, and strategy that are able to motivate all team members when facing pressure and fatigue.
This contribution was made possible thanks to the solid cooperation of all members of the Tajimalela FA U-14 Team, with Harley contributing four goals from the seven matches played by the team.
Achmad Rifani, Assistant Coach of Tajimalela FA U-14, gave high appreciation for the role of his team captain.
“As a team, Harley can be a leader, as a leader on the field that makes friends motivated. His contribution to the team has proven to be great,” said Rifani.
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Appreciation for Team Captains
The Principal of Al Azhar 6 Islamic Junior High School Jakapermai expressed his gratitude and pride for this achievement. “This achievement not only makes the school proud, but also proves the quality of character training, sportsmanship, and excellence that we have instilled in the students,” he said.
In addition, the Waqaf Al Muhajirien Jakapermai Foundation also gives full appreciation and support to the outstanding students, and hopes that this achievement can be a motivation for all students to continue to try, practice, and develop their potential at the national and international levels.
This achievement also affirms the school’s commitment to producing a superior generation who not only excel in the academic field, but also excel in the non-academic field in the global arena.
November 18th, 2025 | Broadcast
Tajimalela won the title led by Harley Isnaini Ifwa, a proud achievement for Indonesia.
Liputan6.com, Jakarta – One of Indonesia’s representatives at Singa Cup 2025 has achieved a proud result. Tajimalela Football Academy (FA) became champions of the tournament, which featured teams from various Asian countries.
Tajimalela won the title led by Harley Isnaini Ifwa, a student at SMP Islam Al Azhar 6 Jakapermai. Besides being one of the key players, Harley was also trusted as captain of Tajimalela FA U-14.
His role was crucial as the team’s main driver, showing leadership, composure and strategy that motivated the whole squad when facing pressure and fatigue.
This contribution came from the solid cooperation of all members of Tajimalela FA U-14, with Harley contributing four goals from the seven matches the team played.
Achmad Rifani, assistant coach of Tajimalela FA U-14, gave high praise to his team’s captain.
As a team, Harley can be a leader, a leader on the pitch who motivates his teammates. His contribution to the team has proved to be big.
Achmad Rifani
Appreciation for the team captain
The principal of SMP Islam Al Azhar 6 Jakapermai expressed gratitude and pride at the achievement.
This achievement not only brings honour to the school’s name, but is also proof of the quality of the character training, sportsmanship and excellence that we have instilled in our students all along.
Principal, SMP Islam Al Azhar 6 Jakapermai
The Yayasan Waqaf Al Muhajirien Jakapermai also gave appreciation and full support to the students who excelled, and hoped the achievement would motivate all pupils to keep trying, training and developing their potential at the national and international level.
The achievement also underlines the school’s commitment to producing outstanding generations who excel not only academically but also in non-academic fields on the global stage.
Source: Liputan6.com
Article Link: https://www.liputan6.com/bola/read/6215200/wakil-indonesia-juara-singa-cup-2025
November 18th, 2025 | Broadcast
Exciting times for Football SA as 48 players across three teams, one U14 and two U16, competed against teams from across Asia and the Pacific from the 6th to 8th of November in the 2025 Singa Cup.
Our squads feature talented players from both metropolitan and regional areas, showcasing the strength and depth of girls’ football across the state.
Singa Cup is Asia’s premier international youth football tournament. Since the inaugural edition in 2011, Singa Cup has grown from strength to strength as the marquee non-football association organised as an international youth football tournament in Asia.
Owen Gallas Community Programs Coordinator at Football South Australia, had this to say about the 2025 Singa Cup experience.
“The Singa Cup provided an incredible opportunity for Football South Australia’s players and staff to grow through exposure to international football and new challenges both on and off the pitch.
Players had the chance to test themselves against strong opposition, including fixtures against high-quality international sides such as Lion City Sailors. These matches offered valuable insight into the speed, technical ability, and discipline that set a new benchmark for us as a group.
Beyond football itself, the tournament presented unique challenges which the players haven’t faced before. Particularly adapting to Singapore’s hot and humid climate. The togetherness within the group, combined with the professionalism and care of the staff, played a vital role in helping everyone manage the conditions and look after one another throughout the week. This allowed them to perform at their best.
With multiple games in a short time span, players were required to adapt quickly, recover efficiently, and apply learning from one match to the next. This quick succession of matches accelerated their development, improving their decision-making, resilience, and ability to perform under fatigue while most importantly gaining valuable match experience.
It was also rewarding to see the players’ confidence grow as the tournament progressed, stepping up against tough opposition, supporting teammates, and showing improvement with every game.
For the staff, the Singa Cup was equally valuable. Coaching and support personnel were exposed to different playing styles, tactical approaches throughout the Singa Cup providing fresh insights that can be brought back.
Overall, the experience in Singapore was not only about competing but about learning, adapting, and developing together both as players and as people”.
Alexia Scalzi who traveled with the squads to Singapore, had this to say about the Singa Cup competition.
“Our trip to Singapore was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Playing against a variety of talented teams in a completely different country challenged us, broadened our perspective, and helped the girls grow both on and off the field. Being immersed in a new environment, its culture, competition and atmosphere, made the journey even more memorable. It was truly an all-round experience that will be carried forever”.
The 2025 Singa Cup was a valuable and memorable experience, helping Football SA’s young players grow on and off the field while showcasing the strength of girls’ football in South Australia. The lessons learned and confidence gained will continue to inspire their development long after the tournament.
Article Link: https://footballsa.com.au/news/fsa-2025-singacup
November 16th, 2025 | Broadcast
Tap-Teng, wartapenasatu.com -“The International Student Football Tournament in Singapore U-16 will be held from November 1 to 8, 2025,” said Coach Tata to the satu.com pen news from Singapore via his mobile connection, Saturday (08/11/2025).
The Tapteng-Sibolga Student FC Team of Central Tapanuli Regency (Tapteng)- Sibolga City, North Sumatra Province (North Sumatra) U-16 consists of students from SMA Negeri 1 Matauli Plus, SMA Negeri 3 Sibolga, SMA HKBP Sibolga, SMA Negeri 1 Tukka, SMA Neger 1 Barus.
In addition to high school students from the Tapteng and Sibolga areas, in the International Student Football Tournament there were also students from SMA Negeri 1 Doloksanggul, Humbang Hasundutan Regency (Humbahas). Previously, this team was formed based on the selection of players from various schools, various public and private schools, namely SMA, SMK, MAN and through an agreement meeting with the Principals.
The Tapteng Sibolga Student FC team is:
- Gabriel Simanullang
- Jonathan Simatupang
- Kevin Nainggolan
- Max Silaen
- Sahata Hutasoit
- Ruben Panjaitan
- Arfinsyah
- Joshua Marpaung
- Carly Pakpahan
- Farel Sibarani
- Afdal Tanjung
- A Brief History of Joseph
- Alfi Sahri Tanjung
- Afwarizi Tanjung
- Ancient Crustian
- Sahrul Siregar
- Jeremiah Siregar
- Krisman Siringo- ringo
- Andreas Patudu L.
The success of Tapteng-Sibolga Student FC not only makes Sibolga City and Central Tapanuli Regency (Tapteng), North Sumatra Province (North Sumatra) proud, but also makes the nation proud at the international level besides that it is also proof of Tapteng-Sibolga Student FC’s commitment to producing a young generation that is superior, innovative, and ready to compete at the international level.
The coach of Tapteng-Sibolga Student FC, Coach Tata, said, “The success of these Tapteng-Sibolga students/students cannot be spared from the support of parents with high costs.”
“Also assistance from the Head of the North Sumatra Youth and Sports Office (Kadispora), M. Mahfullah Pratama Daulay, S.Stp., M.Ap., and personal assistance from the Principal (Kepsek) of SMA Negeri 1 Matauli Plus, Deden Rachmawan, S.Pd., M.M.
Coach Tata told indodatanews web.id said, “We plan to be hosted by the Governor of North Sumatra (North Sumatra), Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, and the Head of North Sumatra Dispora, Mahfullah Pratama Daulay, S.Stp., M.Ap., if not on Monday, November 10 or Tuesday, November 11, 2025.”
Algifari’s Moment of Didik, Shaking Hands with Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir – Mercusuar
November 14th, 2025 | Broadcast
JAKARTA, LIGHTHOUSE — Didik Algifari’s face never ceases to show a happy smile. The teenager from the west coast of Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi still can’t believe he can stand in front of the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Erick Thohir and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat in Jakarta.
For Didik, who is only 14 years old, the moment feels like a dream. “I didn’t expect to be able to shake hands directly with Mr. Erick Thohir, especially since he is also the Chairman of PSSI,” he said with twinkling eyes.
The grandson of Irwan Lahatje, the former Head of the Central Sulawesi Provincial Education and Culture Office, admitted that the experience was a great motivation for him to continue to train and excel in the world of football. “I want to be able to play in the national team one day,” he added excitedly.
Didik is one of the defensive pillars of the Palu U-14 Selection, a young football team from Central Sulawesi that has just returned from the 2025 SingaCup in Singapore. In the prestigious event between countries, the Palu Selection team performed stunning by conquering strong teams from India, Australia, and Singapore, before finally their steps were stopped in the last 8.
This achievement attracted the attention of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Erick Thohir and Taufik Hidayat gave special appreciation to the young team from Palu when they arrived in Jakarta. Erick called the struggle of the Palu Selection children as a clear example of the sports spirit from the region that should be proud of.
The appreciation is a sweet conclusion to Palu Selection’s journey in the SingaCup. For Didik Algifari, who is the son of Zakir and Edawati, the moment of meeting directly with state officials and the PSSI Chairman is not only an honor, but also a reminder that hard work from remote areas can take a person far.
November 13th, 2025 | Broadcast
KONGKRIT.COM – The Tajimalela FA U-14 team won the title at the 2025 Lions Cup event which took place in Singapore, (4–7/11/2025). Sugeng Waluyo’s team defeated the Malaysian club, La Stallions, with a narrow score of 1-0 in the final.
The club, which is headquartered at the Yonif Mekanis Complex 202/Tajimalela, Rawalumbu, Bekasi City, came out as the best of the 20 participating teams from seven countries, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand, India, Australia, and Indonesia.
Coach Sugeng Waluyo and team manager Haji Uki Ifwa expressed their pride in their team’s achievements.
“This is the result of the preparation of the internal competition that we carried out, by selecting 19 players for six months. Alhamdulillah, we were able to win the title in Singapore,” said Sugeng.
The Mayor of Bekasi, Dr. Tri Adhianto, congratulated and appreciated the team’s achievements.”I am very happy with this achievement. This shows that Bekasi City has great potential in the field of football. I hope that this team can continue to excel and bring the name of Bekasi City to the national and international levels,” he said.
In the future, Sugeng Waluyo emphasized that the Tajimalela FA U-14 team will be prepared for competitions at the European level.
“We plan to build the Bekasi City Project Academy and prepare the team for the long-term Soeratin event. The next plan, we will take the team to Europe, and it is currently in the communication stage for the agenda,” he added.
Article Link: https://www.kongkrit.com/berita/227940/dari-bekasi-ke-singapura-tim-u14-tajimalela-fa-jadi-juara-singa-cup-2025
November 13th, 2025 | Broadcast
Jakarta, Truestorysports — The Palu Selection football team had the honor of meeting and being entertained directly by the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) of the Republic of Indonesia, Erick Thohir, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (11/11/2025).
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat and Deputy MPR RI, Akbar Supratman.
The young squad from Central Sulawesi has just completed its work at the 2025 SingaCup event held in Singapore.
In the international tournament for the age group, Samsuddin’s team managed to advance to the quarterfinals.
Even though they have not been able to penetrate the semifinals, Palu Selection still made a proud achievement. One of the players, Aimae Al Adlu, successfully won the title of top scorer aka the tournament’s top scorer.
On that occasion, Erick Thohir symbolically handed the ball over to one of the Palu Selection players, Marco, as a form of appreciation and motivation for young footballers.
Marco’s father, Ahmadi HB Buraera, said that Erick gave an inspirational message to the children of Palu Selection to continue to practice with discipline, maintain ethics, and build a strong mentality to achieve their goals in the world of football.
“Mr. Erick motivates children to focus on training and character building. He also emphasized the importance of early childhood coaching as the foundation of national football,” said Ahmadi.
As the General Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir emphasized his commitment to strengthening grassroots football coaching throughout Indonesia. He also plans to expand the format of the early age competition with an 8-on-8 system for the U-7 to U-13 age group.
“Mr. Erick’s hope is that in the future more players from Central Sulawesi will be born who can strengthen the national team,” added Ahmadi.
Article Link: https://sport.truestory.id/tim-palu-selection-dapat-jamuan-menpora-erick-thohir-usai-berlaga-di-singa-cup-2025/
November 13th, 2025 | Broadcast
The 15th Anniversary Edition of SingaCup – Southeast Asia’s premier international youth football tournament – concluded in Singapore on a triumphant note, capping off eight thrilling days of football, friendship, and cross-cultural exchange.
SINGAPORE, 13 November 2025 – Held from Nov 1 to 8, this milestone edition brought together over 160 teams from 14 countries, uniting thousands of young footballers, coaches, families, and fans across multiple venues.
From nail-biting matches to moving moments of inclusion, SingaCup 2025 once again reaffirmed its growing stature as a tournament that celebrates more than just competition – it celebrates character, camaraderie, and community.
A Regional Showcase of Youth Talent
Spanning age divisions from U8 to U16 for both boys and girls, the 2025 edition delivered high-intensity football and unforgettable finishes.
The younger categories – particularly the U8 and U10 finals – saw dramatic comebacks, while the U14 and U16 divisions showcased the technical excellence and tactical maturity of teams from Japan, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The U16 Boys’ Championship final was one for the history books – a thrilling contest between Thailand’s Benjamarachanusorn School and Pakistan’s Lyari Football Academy, a debutant in this year’s edition.
After an unbeaten campaign, Benjamarachanusorn sealed the title with a narrow 2–1 victory, lifting the trophy to rousing applause.
In the Girls’ categories, teams from Australia and Hong Kong impressed with their skill and composure, highlighting the rapid rise of women’s football in the region.
This year also saw record participation from India, with over 25 teams including Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, Conscient Team, Thane City FC, and The Shining Star Academy. Their involvement underscores the country’s fast-growing grassroots football movement.
Singapore’s own Junior National Development Centre (JNDC) made its debut at SingaCup 2025, offering young local talents invaluable exposure against international opponents. Fifteen local teams, including Lion City Sailors Academy, Elite FC, Resistencia FC, and ActiveSG Football Academy, proudly represented the host nation.
Driving Sports Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Beyond the scores and silverware, SingaCup has become a powerful catalyst for sports tourism and cultural exchange. Visiting teams filled local hotels and explored Singapore’s attractions – from Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands to Gardens by the Bay – turning the tournament into a week-long family experience.
Players and coaches also participated in community events, team-bonding activities, and friendly exchanges, building friendships that transcended borders. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about growing together,” said a coach from Japan’s Tochigi Academy.
Football for All: The Inaugural Para Football Showcase
In a moving milestone, this year’s edition introduced the first-ever SingaCup Para Football Showcase – a celebration of inclusion, courage, and unity.
Held on Nov 8 at ITE College Central, the showcase featured a friendly match between the SingaCup Select Team and Special Olympics Singapore, drawing cheers from a packed crowd.
The event was graced by Singapore’s national goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, who joined players on the pitch and shared motivational words with the para-athletes.
Also in attendance were several Members of Parliament and Ministers of State, including Mr Jeffrey Siow (Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance), Mr Alvin Tan, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, and Mr Gabriel Lam.
Adding global star power to the occasion was Ricardinho, the six-time FIFA Best Futsal Player of the World and 2021 Futsal World Cup Champion.
The Portuguese legend played alongside the Special Olympics athletes, guided them during the match, and later presented awards to recognise their courage and teamwork.
“It was an emotional and unforgettable moment – seeing Ricardinho embrace the players, cheer them on, and celebrate every goal was truly special,” said tournament director Selvakumar Panneerselvam. “This is the spirit of football – joy without boundaries.”
Organisers confirmed that the Para Football Showcase will now become a permanent annual fixture in future editions, ensuring SingaCup continues to champion inclusivity in sports.
Giving Back: The Boots Donation Drive
In line with its community-driven values, SingaCup 2025 continued its Boots Donation Drive, encouraging players to donate their gently-used football boots. The collected pairs will be cleaned and distributed through NGO partners to underprivileged football communities across Southeast Asia.
The initiative, launched in 2024, aims to make football accessible to children who lack proper equipment. “A pair of boots can change a child’s journey,” said Selvakumar. “It’s our way of giving back to the sport that gives us so much.”
Fifteen Years of Passion and Progress
Since its founding in 2011, SingaCup has grown from a small regional tournament into Southeast Asia’s leading international youth football event, recognised by academies, coaches, and scouts for its professional organisation and competitive diversity.
Over 15 years, it has hosted thousands of players from Asia, Europe, and Oceania — serving as a launchpad for young talent to gain global exposure and lifelong experiences.
“From the very beginning, our vision was to build bridges through football,” said Selvakumar. “Fifteen years later, SingaCup stands as a symbol of youth empowerment, inclusivity, and friendship through sport.”
Looking ahead, organisers plan to expand the tournament further, with new partnerships and stronger pathways for girls’ and para-football participation.
A Celebration of Unity and Future Champions
As the final whistle blew on SingaCup 2025, what remained wasn’t just the echo of cheers or the glint of medals – it was the shared belief that football, in its purest form, unites people beyond borders, languages, and abilities.
“Sport teaches us that our differences are our strength. By bringing people together through competition and teamwork, it fosters understanding, respect, and equality,” said Mr Neo. “Sport is the universal language that unites, rather than divides.”
For the players, parents, and fans who gathered in Singapore, the week-long celebration was more than a competition – it was a testament to youth, inclusion, and the enduring spirit of the game.
“This year’s SingaCup wasn’t just about the champions on the field,” said Selvakumar. “It was about celebrating every young dream, every connection made, and every step towards a more inclusive future for football in Asia.”
Source: Tabla
