Pavkovic seek to change mindset for youth players

FAS technical director Slobodan Pavkovic continue his work to develop Singapore football as he took part in the H-TWO-O Skills Assessment Challenge.

Over 80 students aged 17 to 20 from ITE College Central MacPherson campus took up the challenge, according to TODAY Paper

The aspiring footballers were tested on their skills proficiency for five of the 20 basic moves in the National Football Syllabus, which was introduced as part of the Football Association of Singapore's (FAS) Strategic Plan launched in April.

The problem is that in top football countries, kids learn such basic skills at a younger age.

FAS technical director Slobodan Pavkovic says the culture here must change if Singapore's youngsters are to develop their skills at the same pace as those in South America and Europe.
At football institutions like Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona and Manchester United, the emphasis at their youth academies is not for children to win games. Instead, they are drilled to perfect their basic skills, and encouraged to have fun.

"It is the truth. The beginning of playing football is learning the technique, and control of ball and body. It is never too late if players want to learn, but generally, with these basic moves, players should start as early as possible."