A Game Changer
Submitted by: Adrian, Community Worker
During a community gathering in April, along with the spread of food on the table, a robust serving of soccer talk was served up. This is a topic that energized the youth who were present. Their excitement wasn’t just about the game; they were eager to form a proper soccer team. So enthusiastic were they, that that very evening, the Bukit Ho Swee Soccer programme was born.
Our first training session took place at an outdoor court that was well-maintained and ideal for practice, but it was too far away. The commute simply wasn’t sustainable. We needed something closer to our neck of the woods, an easily accessible place we could use without expending extra cost.
That’s when Shidah, one of our Neighborhood Leaders, mentioned a court near a carpark at Beo Crescent. It wasn’t in the best condition, she warned, but it was nearby and, most importantly, free to use.
When we checked it out, the court was indeed in rough shape—no lights, trash scattered everywhere, and floors that looked like they hadn’t been cleaned in years. To say it wasn’t ideal would be an understatement. But instead of being discouraged, Shidah saw an opportunity for the community to step-up and make it work.
Almost immediately, Shidah got to work. She reached out to her neighbours, Kim Seng Community Centre where she volunteers, and the Town Council for help. Within days, the community’s efforts started to show results. Floodlights were installed, the area was cleaned, and the court was transformed into a usable space. What was an overlooked corner of the neighborhood had been transformed into a practice pitch for neighbourhood youth.
Our budding soccer players have also risen to the occasion. They dutifully attend weekly practice sessions. And with regular reminders from our team, the youths ensure the court and surroundings are kept clean, so it remains a welcoming place for everyone.
They say, “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” But in some communities, even lemons are hard to come by. The community Beyond serves often has to be resourceful and determined to make things happen for themselves. In this instance, they found a lemon and turned it into a vibrant neighbourhood hub of activity, positivity and purpose. It makes me wonder what else they can achieve if given the right opportunity and encouragement?
