If you drive past the GESS or Nexus campus, you may spot Borussia Academy Singapore’s young players practicing their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. Having partnered with popular Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2018, the academy provides top-class football training in Singapore for girls and boys of all levels aged three to 16. It also offers year-round tournaments and opportunities to compete in top JSSL National Youth and Puma League matches. Here, we chat to Ulli Niedermeyer, founder and director of Borussia Academy Singapore, about his coaching team’s role in shaping young players. We also ask him what it takes to create an excellent youth development football programme.
Children’s football training in Singapore
What led you to be a youth football coach?
I was passionate about sports from a young age – I started coaching football at the age of 18 in Germany, and studied at university to become a physical education teacher. Needless to say, founding Borussia Academy is a dream come true for me! I find coaching incredibly rewarding, especially teaching young kids who are naturally keen and hungry to become better players. It brings me immense joy to see players and teams performing new skills and improving their performance.
What sets Borussia Academy apart?
It’s not solely about winning matches, becoming JSSL league champions, or promising the players that we can help them to become professionals. Of course, it’s great to score lots of goals, but that’s not our priority. We want to help each player feel included and respected within the team, alongside improving their level of skill.
Any new coaching trends that you’re building into your football training in Singapore?
The most exciting new development in coaching children is the introduction of FUNINO. This is a game of three versus three or four versus four, without a goalkeeper and with four mini goals on a field approximately 20 by 25 metres. This game format ensures that all players are permanently involved without being tied to a certain position. Defending two mini goals and attacking towards two goals has so many benefits for young players – from developing peripheral vision, spatial awareness and creative problem-solving, to improving attacking and defending skills in all areas of the field.
You’re well known for developing young players. What’s your coaching philosophy?
Number one is enjoyment. If the players are motivated and enjoy the activities during training, they are prepared to work hard and try their best to improve their level of skill and learn the tactical requirements of the game.
From a coaching perspective, this means no repetitive drills or players standing endlessly in a line waiting for their turn. It’s maximum engagement of every player and supporting them individually and positively where they’re at – regardless of their football experience, ability or background.
How do you cater for different age groups in the children’s football training in Singapore?
Over the past few years, our football training in Singapore has focused on developing age-specific curriculums for our teams. For the younger players, training activities are game-based, with an emphasis on improving the fundamental skills related to ball control, motor coordination and movement skills.
Once the players are comfortable controlling the ball, we incorporate tactical elements of the game into training. This involves a variety of smallsided games – for example, one, two or four a side – where children can practice decision-making in various defensive and offensive game situations. This is key for young players!
Any advice for a parent who might be worried that football will interfere with their child’s schoolwork?
The key is to find a balance between football (or any sport you love!) and school demands. For Borussia Academy’s players, this means football training in Singapore two to three times a week for up to 35 weeks a year. This provides a good basis for a young player to develop their sporting potential – and let off steam – while not impinging on academics.
How do you assess the effectiveness of Borussia’s style of coaching?
We have at least two teams in every age group participating in JSSL League competitions. The more experienced teams compete in the higher JSSL league divisions playing the best teams in Singapore. Also, our under-9 boys recently became JSSL National League Champions, which is a massive achievement considering we are one of the youngest academies in Singapore. So, it shows that our methods are working well!
What’s on the horizon for Borussia Academy?
Girls and women’s sports is booming all around the world. Developing girls-only football programmes – and working with schools to encourage participation – is therefore a priority.
We’re also further developing our standard of coaching, ensuring that every coach has not only the technical knowledge and expertise needed for the role, but also a high level of communication, leadership and educational psychology skills. A well-rounded football coach is uniquely positioned to offer both guidance and support off the pitch, alongside the technical aspects of football.
To sign up for a free trial, go to borussia-academy-sg.com/freetrial.
Borussia Academy trains at GESS, 2 Dairy Farm Lane, and Nexus International School, 1 Aljunied Walk. borussia-academy-sg.com
This article on football training in Singapore first appeared in the January 2024 edition of Expat Living. Purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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