SINGAPORE, 2024, MARCH 04 – The JSSL Singapore Professional Academy 7s is poised to mark its 10th anniversary in grand style with its most extensive edition to date. This year’s event, scheduled from 28 to 31 March across five venues in Singapore, will witness a record-breaking participation of 500 registered teams from 16 nations. Every team will have the opportunity to play more matches and enjoy extended game time.
Defending champions Valencia CF will return to defend their titles in both the boys’ and girls’ Pro categories. However, they will face stiff competition from teams representing various nations such as Portugal, Spain, Australia, Japan, and Thailand.
The pro teams competing in this year’s tournament include:
| BOYS | GIRLS |
|---|---|
| Everton FC Sporting CP Valencia CF Melbourne City FC Urawa Red Diamonds Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) JSSL FC | Valencia CF Sporting CP Villareal CF Omiya Ardija Ventus Chonburi FC Persib Bandung JSSL FC |
The JSSL Singapore Professional Academy 7s stands as Asia’s Premier Youth Football competition, showcasing the talents of over 500 registered teams worldwide. It has played a significant role in the youth careers of numerous professional footballers, including the likes of Liverpool FC rising star Harvey Elliott (Fulham FC, 2017) and Nottingham Forest FC forward Anthony Elanga (Manchester United FC, 2018).
Over the past nine years, the tournament has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from 560 players and 40 teams in 2013 to this year’s milestone of 500 registered teams competing across five venues: HQ Arena, SAFRA Tampines, Lion City Sailors Training Centre, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) as well as Hougang Stadium.
The tournament encompasses four girls’ and 11 boys’ age groups, with teams competing in groups before advancing to knockout stages. All matches adhere to FIFA rules, with each game lasting 25 minutes without halftime. The finals will take place at HQ Arena in Woodleigh on Sunday (31 March), with former Liverpool FC midfielder Danny Murphy attending as the Guest-of-Honour to present the trophies.
Rina Salleh, JSSL General Manager, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s tournament, highlighting its significance as the 10th anniversary edition and praising the record number of participating teams. She thanked supporters and the Singapore Tourism Board for their backing, emphasising the tournament’s role in nurturing young football talent and promoting Singapore as a youth football hub for Asia.
For more information about the tournament and its format, visit https://www.jssl-singapore7s.com/tournament-information.
