3 well-rated soccer/football academies to realize your child’s dream of becoming a pro soccer player

young soccer players

Love seeing your child dribble past defenders or score goals with finesse?

Enrolling them in a soccer academy could be the step toward making that dream a reality.

Soccer academies provide young athletes with the right training, facilities, and exposure to competitive play so allow us to spotlight some well-rated soccer academies that are renowned for molding future soccer stars.

Here are the places where your child can receive guidance and hone their skills to become a pro soccer player.

Borussia Academy Singapore

Website: borussia-academy-sg.com

Google Rating: 5 (15+ reviews)

First up on our list, we have Singapore’s Borussia Academy.

It has that pedigree through its prestigious partnership with German Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach, which is recognized for elite youth development.

Boys and girls aged 3 to 16 can experience that same training at two locations: SkyPark @Holland and SJI International School.

Designed for players of all abilities, Borussia Academy Singapore offers a football program to build skills while providing opportunities to compete in leagues and tournaments like the JSSL National Youth League.

Best of all, aspiring Messis and Rapinoes can try it for free.

Score a free trial and see why this academy produces the next generation of soccer superstars.

Prodigy by Proactiv Sports

sg.proactivsports.net

Website: sg.proactivsports.net

Google Rating: 4.8 (235+ reviews)

The next Ronaldo or Messi could be right around the corner if you believe it.

Prodigy by Proactiv Sports’ condo soccer program changes playtime into skill-building sessions to set your little one up for sporty success.

Founded by former international athletes from Ireland and Australia, this program bottles their passion for developing young talent through a curriculum focused on ball control, coordination, and gross motor skills.

Kids are like sponges at ages 3 to 6, soaking up new abilities lightning fast.

Why not make the most of that window by giving them a head start in soccer?

$19 trial classes are available.

F17 Football Academy

 

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A post shared by F17 Academy (@f17academy)

Website: f17academy.com

Google Rating: 4.8 (25+ reviews)

Last but not least, we have F17 Football Academy which was founded by national legend Fandi Ahmad to give young players the boost they need to reach their potential.

From pre-schoolers to teens, the academy’s certified coaches lead programs tailored to each age group and ability level using their famous “Guided Discovery” method.

It’s a recipe for rapid skill development + heaps of fun.

And with proper professional equipment and large pitches, kids can sharpen their dexterities in an environment fit for champions.

F17 also lets aspiring stars experience the thrill of international competition and receive mentorship from a team of qualified staff.

Seeking competitive greatness or kicking it for kicks?

A free trial session opens the door so claim it today!

Choosing the right academy is a pivotal decision in leading your child toward a successful start in soccer. The academies mentioned in this article each offer programs, facilities, and coaches dedicated to guiding young talent. By providing THE environment for skill development and growth, these institutions are equipped to help your child shift their passion for soccer into a potential professional career. Sign up for a trial and take it from there 😉

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4 best-rated Chinese tuition centers to send your child to so they “jiak kantang” no more

students in a chinese language class

For many parents, finding the right Chinese tuition center is important to prevent their kids from becoming more “jiak kantang”.

If that is you, this article which explores a list of best-rated Chinese tuition centers will help your child achieve linguistic proficiency and also foster an appreciation for the Chinese language.

Read on!

HAO Chinese Tuition Centre 好学堂 (HQ)

Website: haochinesetuition.com

Google Rating: 5 (150+ reviews)

First up, you will want to gift your child a strong foundation in Chinese from an early age with HAO Chinese Tuition Center 好学堂 (HQ).

This MOE-registered center offers Chinese classes taught by a team of ex-MOE Chinese teachers and bilingual experts holding advanced degrees.

Their contextual learning approach immerses students aged 3-16 in real-life situations, enhancing mastery.

The dynamic composition insights framework guides children in crafting compelling narratives, while the “insightful reading” framework introduces advanced text analysis techniques.

Founded by passionate educators and parents, HAO Chinese Tuition Center focuses on comprehensive language development and early literacy so your child can build lasting fluency.

Tongxin Learning Centre

tongxinlc.com

Website: tongxinlc.com

Google Rating: 5 (70+ reviews)

Learning Chinese just got a whole lot more engaging as Tongxin Learning Center specializes in the teaching of the Chinese language and has a team of reliable, native-speaking instructors registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Their anchor teacher, Mdm Wong Hwee Yong, brings 17 years of invaluable experience to the table, while their award-winning ex-MOE teachers (of the team) ensure your child receives a rigorous yet supportive education.

With their credentials and expertise, these educators don’t simply teach—they open minds to Chinese culture and linguistic mastery.

BriliBrain Edu Chinese Tuition Centre (给力华文)

 

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Website: brilibrainedu.com

Google Rating: 5 (60+ reviews)

Or consider BriliBrain Edu Chinese Tuition Center (给力华文), where budding language learners turn into fluent speakers in no time.

Their interactive teaching methods engage students of all ages, making Mandarin mastery feel like a walk in the park.

Passionate instructors nurture each child’s language skills with professionalism and support.

From tots (N2 and up!) to international school students, their classes ensure that Chinese fluency is achievable no matter the age or background.

Can’t commit without trying? Sign up for their FREE trial class or go for their holiday sessions!

With regular assessments and parent progress reports, you will always know where your child stands in their Chinese language journey.

Chen Higher Chinese Tuition

chenhigherchinese.sg

Website: chenhigherchinese.sg

Google Rating: 5 (50+ reviews)

Last but not least, know this: acing Chinese exams takes more than textbook theories.

It demands a mastery of comprehension skills, razor-sharp vocabulary, and an ability to compose essays on demand.

So why not give Chen Higher Chinese Tuition a try—where seasoned bilingual instructor Ms Chen and her team of MOE-trained tutors specialize in dissecting exam topics inside and out?

Armed with 12 years of experience and custom materials developed by Ms Chen herself, these language gurus equip students with techniques for decoding comprehension passages, crafting compositions, and acing those oral components.

Be it face-to-face interaction or the convenience of online classes, their tutors are fluent in the Chinese curriculum’s intricacies.

Let this star Chinese team transform your child’s exam anxieties into mastery with one grammar rule and essay at a time.

Choosing the right Chinese tuition center for your child can make ALL the difference. The best-rated centers we’ve highlighted above not only offer academic support but also create an enriching environment that encourages students to embrace Mandarin with confidence. By enrolling your child in any of these centers, you will be taking a step towards ensuring they “jiak kantang” no more. Contact them for more details!

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Good reasons why you should go Dutch from courtship to marriage

couple figurines on top of coins

Ever felt the tension when the bill comes on a date or wondered if you’re being taken advantage of financially in your relationship?

Maybe it’s time to consider or reconsider “going Dutch”.

Some people might think it’s unromantic, but going Dutch (where costs are split equally) from dating to marriage can actually save you down the road.

Why should you go Dutch while dating?
  • Avoiding financial friction

Very simple – avoid potential arguments over who owes what.

By agreeing to split costs, you remove the awkwardness of one person feeling like they owe the other.

This can prevent resentment over time, especially if you’ve got some income disparity between partners.

  • Establishing equality

This practice shows that both parties are invested both financially and emotionally.

  • Building financial independence

Splitting expenses encourages both partners to maintain their financial independence, which can be very empowering for people who value their autonomy.

By managing your finances, you’re better prepared to make joint decisions about money when the relationship gets more serious.

But it’s good to note that going Dutch doesn’t mean you can’t treat each other sometimes.

It’s up to you and your generosity!

  • Reducing financial pressure

By splitting expenses, neither partner bears the full weight of financial obligations.

Going Dutch also lets you both enjoy date experiences together without one person feeling the strain on their wallet.

As your relationship progresses, this habit can smoothly transition into married life, in the area of managing household expenses per se.

Encouraging mutual investment in the relationship

Going Dutch doesn’t always mean a half-half-split.

Find a % that works for both of you based on your circumstances.

two cups of coffee on a tray

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Modern relationship dynamics
  • Shifting gender roles

Come on, it’s 2024.

As societal norms change, traditional gender roles are being redefined, especially in terms of financial responsibilities.

You may have noticed that the expectation for men to always pay is becoming less common.

  • Financial equality in partnerships

When you choose to split expenses, you’re acknowledging that both individuals in the relationship CAN contribute financially.

  • Empowerment and independence

By deciding to go Dutch from dating to marriage, you’re adopting a modern mindset that values individual financial independence.

This practice can help both partners maintain autonomy while building a life together.

In a nutshell, it allows you to:

  • Preserve your financial status
  • Contribute equally to shared goals
  • Avoid potential resentment over money woes

It’s not about being stingy ya; going Dutch offers an approach that can strengthen your bond. By sharing financial responsibilities, you’re working on equality, respect, and open communication. This practice contributes to a lasting partnership built on support and understanding. So, be it future dates or planning your wedding, why not go the Dutch way?

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iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro will be available for pre-order this Friday, 13 Sep 24

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, designed with Apple Intelligence, a personal system that understands user context to provide helpful, relevant insights while maintaining privacy. These new models feature Camera Control, making it easier to capture moments and access visual information about objects or locations more quickly. The advanced camera system includes a 48MP Fusion camera with a 2x Telephoto option, essentially giving users two cameras in one, and a new Ultra Wide camera for macro photography. Users can also enjoy next-generation Photographic Styles for personalized photos, and spatial photo and video capture to relive memories with incredible depth on Apple Vision Pro. Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 lineup offers improved performance, supports demanding AAA games, and delivers longer battery life.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in five bold colours: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 13, with availability beginning Friday, September 20.

Pre-order here

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple has also unveiled the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, showcasing larger displays, enhanced camera features, and immersive gaming graphics, all driven by the new A18 Pro chip. A standout feature is Apple Intelligence, which brings powerful generative models to iPhone, offering a personal intelligence system that provides relevant, privacy-protected insights based on user context. The new Camera Control feature allows for seamless interaction with the advanced camera system, including a 48MP Fusion camera with a faster quad-pixel sensor, capable of 4K120 fps video recording in Dolby Vision, marking the highest resolution and frame rate on an iPhone. Both models feature a 48MP Ultra Wide camera for high-resolution shots, a 5x Telephoto camera, and studio-quality microphones for realistic audio recording. With a lightweight yet durable titanium design, these models also boast larger displays, the thinnest borders yet on an Apple product, and the best battery life ever on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in four stunning finishes: black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 13, with availability beginning Friday, September 20.

Pre-order here

COMPARISON & PRICING

 

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Public transport fares to increase in Singapore from 28 December 2024

Singapore bus and tain track

Public transportation fares are set to increase in December, from the 28th.

Adult commuters will see a 10-cent hike per trip on buses and trains while students, seniors, and those with disabilities will pay 4 cents more per journey.

Monthly passes remain unchanged. 

Overall fares will rise 6%, down from 7% last year.

The good news is that lower-income households can get $60 transit vouchers, up from $50 last year.

More people now qualify for the vouchers, with the monthly income limit per person increasing to $1,800 from $1,600.

This means an additional 60,000 households will benefit from the vouchers.

Why the increase?

Regulator PTC cited inflation, wage growth, and past deferred increases as reasons for the hike.

While energy prices dropped from 2022 peaks, core inflation and strong wage growth factored into the 3.3% increase under PTC’s formula.

An additional 15.6% was deferred from prior years, allowing for up to 18.9% in total.

However, PTC chose a more modest 6% to cushion costs for commuters.

Chairperson Janet Ang noted the deferred amount accumulated due to spiking energy prices and inflation in 2021 to 2022.

This marks the second review under PTC’s new formula aimed at stabilizing fares.

The nitty gritty

Singapore’s public transport fare formula has five components: core consumer price index (cCPI), wage index (WI), energy index (EI), productivity, and network capacity. 

For 2023 to 2027, productivity and capacity factors now have fixed values for stability.

Productivity contribution is minus 0.1%, while network capacity is 1.1%.

This year, the indexes increased cCPI by 2.1%, WI by 2.1%, and EI dropped 1.9%.

With fixed productivity and capacity, fares can rise by 3.3%. 

Adding the 15.6% carried-over allows an 18.9% maximum increase.

However, the Public Transport Council approved only a 6% hike, leaving 12.9% for next year/future reviews.

Finding a win-win solution for all

The upcoming 6% fare increase will lower the deferred amount to 12.9% for the next review.

This helps narrow the gap between cost and fares, said Ms. Ang from the PTC, adding that the PTC will balance financial sustainability with affordability. 

Meanwhile, the PTC encourages monthly passes to cap expenses.

Extended concession fares for graduating students

Singapore students crossing the road

In addition to the abovementioned news, starting 28 December 2024, graduating students in Singapore can continue enjoying discounted transit fares for four months after finishing school.

Currently, secondary and post-secondary students receive concession fares.

However, some faced paying full price before enrolling in another school.

In response to parent and student feedback, our Transport Minister requested the PTC to extend fares.

PTC agreed to the request, granting graduating students concessions for four months post-graduation, which will start this year.

Around 75,000 students annually will benefit.

To extend validations, this year’s graduates can tap cards at any ticketing machines located in MRT or bus stations from 1 October to 31 December 2024.

They can also visit a ticketing counter for more assistance.

Future graduating classes will get extension details from their schools.

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