SportCares HEARTS Football League Returns for its Third Edition with a New and Improved Format

• A new and improved format, including skill-based divisions and addition of promotion and relegation, was introduced this year to enhance the competition experience.

• 25 teams, including 19 teams formed by 475 participants from SportCares flagship football programme for youths from vulnerable backgrounds - Saturday Night Lights - competed in the third edition of the League.

The SportCares HEARTS Football League 2024 finale concludes with a memorable gathering of all participants and volunteers. (Photo Credit: SportSG/Andy Chua)

Singapore, 26 October 2024 – The SportCares HEARTS Football League 2024 Finale saw camaraderie, teamwork, and competitive spirit come alive on the pitch at ActiveSG Woodlands Stadium as youths from the Saturday Night Lights (SNL) programme gave their all in the final match this season. Back for its third edition, the league also saw the youths competing in a new and improved format, which included the addition of skill-based divisions as well as promotion and relegation.

Organised by SportCares, the philanthropic arm of Sport Singapore (SportSG), the SportCares HEARTS Football League, which was launched in 2022, aims to provide youths from vulnerable backgrounds with opportunities to compete in a supportive environment while fostering positive connections within the community.

A total of 25 teams took part in this year’s league, including 19 teams formed by 475 players from SNL (SportCares’ flagship football programme for youths from vulnerable backgrounds) and six teams formed by SportCares' partners such as Special Olympics Singapore, Tasek Sailors, Royal Arion and Singapore Cricket Club. Teams were classified into three categories – Men’s Division 1, Men’s Division 2 and Women’s Open.

The League’s Finale was graced by Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development, and saw close to 600 attendees and spectators, including the youths, their families, and community partners. This year’s programme included a new and improved format to enhance the competition experience through the introduction of skill-based divisions, fostering fairer play and more positive growth. The addition of promotion and relegation^[1] in the Men’s divisions also heightened competition, pushing teams to strive for success.

"The SportCares HEARTS Football League is more than just a competition. It’s an extension of our SNL programme, which seeks to provide a safe space for youths to learn life skills and positive values. At the same time, it’s also about building an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive community, where youths from all walks of life can bond through sport. As we continue to look at increasing accessibility and promote inclusion in sport, we hope that more corporates and sporting organisations can partner us in this journey, so that we can do more for the community and enable more people to benefit from our initiatives,” said Mr Shawn Lim, Head, SportCares, SportSG.

Mr Lam Chee Weng, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Pools (Private) Limited, said, “Singapore Pools is proud to be a part of the SNL programme which is a valuable platform for participants to build values and acquire life skills through sport. Beyond our commitment to SNL, we partner SportCares on initiatives like Football with a Heart, where we provide the invaluable experience of playing on the National Stadium pitch to foster confidence, teamwork, and resilience among youths. Together, we strive to uplift and inspire the next generation while creating a more vibrant and supportive community.”

"This year, my team made it to the finals for the first time, and I couldn't be prouder. For the past year, we’ve gathered every Saturday night to train hard as a team,” shared Zalikha Haidah, captain of District West Girls United, who came in 2nd in the Women’s Open category. “Being the captain isn't just about skill — it's about responsibility and inspiring the team to persevere. Through this competition, I’ve been given the chance to be a role model, and that's something I carry with pride both on and off the field.”

The full list of award winners and the champions of each category of the SportCares HEARTS Football League 2024 can be found under Annex A. For more information on Saturday Night Lights, please visit: https://sportcares.sportsingapore.gov.sg/programmes/youth/snl/.

Annex A - SportCares HEARTS Football League 2024 Finale Results and Award Winners

SportCares HEARTS Football League 2024 Champions

Singapore Pools Fair Play Award

Singapore Pools Sportsmanship Award (Individual)

Golden Glove Award (Individual)

Golden Boot Award (Individual)

^[1] In Men’s Division 1, the last placed team will be automatically relegated to Men’s Division 2 for the following season. In Men’ Division 2, the overall champion will gain automatic promotion to Men’ Division 1 for the following season.