SFA Spotlight: Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) Historic NSG Triumph Marks New Milestone

In an unforgettable moment of sporting triumph, Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) clinched its first-ever National School Games (NSG) B Division League 1 title, overcoming Meridian Secondary School 3-2 in a nail-biting final.

More than a championship win, this achievement was also a victory for the Unleash The Roar!’s (UTR!) School Football Academy (SFA) programme - which prides itself on not just nurturing football talent, but also the holistic growth of the student-athletes.

A jubilant ACS Barker team celebrating its first-ever NSG B Division title with the hat-trick hero Mika Baihakki (right). Photo by Richard Seow.

Beyond goals: personal growth and values

At the heart of ACS Barker’s journey is captain Adwyn Rahim, 16, whose growth over the past three years embodies the spirit of SFA. Through structured, values-based training, Adwyn developed discipline, strategic thinking, and maturity both on and off the pitch.

Reflecting on his journey, Adwyn shared: “The programme has shaped me into a more disciplined and thoughtful player. My coaches’ constant guidance and encouragement pushed me beyond what I thought was possible.”

"Values like humility, resilience, and respect have made me not just a better player but a more grounded individual overall."

Said Adwyn’s mother, Ms Nurul Suhana: "Seeing his quiet determination and discipline emerge has been deeply moving. He has grown significantly, both as a player and as an individual. SFA coaches inspire clarity and purpose beyond football."

ACS Barker’s coach Edward Tan spotlighted teammates Joshua Chong, 16, and Joel Kwek, 16, whose growth has been equally inspiring.

Joshua noted: “SFA taught me the importance of strategy, leadership, and resilience—skills that have made me confident both during games and in everyday life.

Joel highlighted the tactical and technical advancements from SFA training, stating, “I've learned to read the play better and think quickly under pressure, crucial for my role as a midfielder.”

From left to right: Joshua, Joel and Adwyn. Photos by Winston Kwek and Rahim Musa.

A principal’s pride

ACS Barker’s principal, Mr Khoo Tse Horng expressed pride in the team's achievement, highlighting the importance of character and values instilled by the SFA programme.

He said: "I am very proud of how they carried themselves as true sportsmen, displaying teamwork, resilience, discipline, hard work, and respect.

“I am especially delighted by the captain’s prep talk, reminding everyone to enjoy the moment and remain humble. Sports are meant to be enjoyed, and even when we excel, humility must prevail.”

He praised the impact of the SFA coaches and teachers, adding: "Their mentorship focused on character-building, significantly shaping the boys' journey. This victory reinforces our belief in the SFA philosophy, benefiting our gentlemen through character, commitment, and competency."

Girls’ football journey

The combined girls' team under the Centre Based Partnership (CBP) Programme West 3, nicknamed BMW (Boon Lay Secondary School, Methodist Girls' School, and Westwood Secondary School), also achieved good result, securing second place in the NSG Girls' B Division. This achievement underscores SFA’s dedicated efforts in advancing girls' football.

BMW’s Coach Pamela Kong highlighted the unified effort and structured training provided by SFA.

She said: "Coaching these dedicated players has been a privilege. Their growth clearly reflects the targeted, consistent training provided by SFA, enabling them to achieve new heights together."

Zarra Nazim, 15, from Westwood Secondary, who evolved from a beginner to a pivotal player, credited her growth to SFA’s supportive yet rigorous environment.

She said: "The targeted weekly training sessions have significantly improved my technical skills and boosted my confidence tremendously. Being part of BMW has taught me teamwork, resilience, and dedication.”

BMW combined girls' team celebrating their second-place finish in the NSG Girls' B Division. Photo credit by Pamela Kong.

Unity and community spirit

For coach Tan, ACS Barker’s success was deeply rooted in SFA’s mentoring philosophy.

“Our coaching empowers young athletes to make informed decisions, fostering resilience, maturity, and independence,” he said. “Character-building always comes first.”

Teamwork makes the dream work and the result is only possible with the strong partnership between ACS Barker School team and our dedicated SFA coaches. Photo by Richard Seow.

ACS Barker’s teacher-in-charge Mr Nabil Ismail described the victory as "an inspirational milestone," affirming that discipline, resilience, and hard work lead to great achievements.

"This win will inspire future ACS generations for years to come,” he enthused.

Shaping lives beyond the pitch

Parents like Joel’s father, Mr Winston Kwek, felt that the boys grew both as footballers and as young men.

“Joel’s journey was challenging yet rewarding,” he said. “The resilience, discipline, and humility instilled by SFA shaped him into a confident individual both on and off the pitch.”

Added Joshua’s mother, Mdm Serene Chong: "Joshua has become notably more disciplined and responsible, both in football and daily life."

A bright future ahead

ACS Barker’s victory and BMW’s progress are significant chapters in the SFA legacy. The academy’s commitment remains focused on nurturing talented footballers and exemplary individuals.

"I thank the team for giving ACS Barker a shared experience that will remain in our memory forever. The best is yet to be," said Mr Khoo.

Apart from ACS Barker and BMW, other SFA schools which made their respective B Division finals are Sengkang Secondary School and Yishun Secondary School.