Celebrating 50 years of ANZA Soccer!

Centre: David and Elsie with members of the committee, 2017

ANZA Soccer has its roots where most good ideas within our community do – in a parent who wanted better for their kids. When David Foreman arrived in Singapore from Vancouver with his wife Elsie and their three sons, his first concern was straightforward: their two boys needed sport. Soccer was what they knew and David was determined. He firmly believed that the exercise, routine and friendships formed through the beautiful game were essential for their children’s happiness and development.

Back in the early 70s, the only organised soccer option was a league run by the British Armed Forces, played on the fields at Terror Barracks, its entrance flanked by cannons. Then, in November 1975, the British military withdrew from Singapore, heralding the final transition of the island from colonial outpost to an exciting new world. As the forces departed, David recognised that this was also a chance to create a new youth soccer league. Before the garrison departed, he approached the Commanding Officer with a proposition: bequeath the league’s trophies to a new organisation, and he would build one. The CO agreed, and the die was cast.

“I have long believed that the true character of a person can be seen on a playing field”
– ANZA Soccer Founder, David Foreman

Left: ANZA Soccer, 2006–2007 Season ANZA Warriors, 2017

Dining room to pitch

David enlisted the help of Frank Wakefield, a cotton surveyor from Liverpool, and Gordon Gerachty, an Australian businessman, both of whom had sons of playing age. Insurance liabilities were handled by John King, an insurance manager.

The dining room of his home became the HQ of what was to become a small institution. In December 1975, around 1,000 application forms were distributed to the expat schools across Singapore, inviting boys to join the International Junior Soccer League for a season starting in January 1976. Ninety boys replied. On the day, 33 turned up. As David himself later noted, “Not a very auspicious beginning!”

Undeterred, United World College offered their playing fields and specially designed goalposts were built, scaled down for the younger age groups who played across half a pitch. Four teams per age bracket were kitted out in distinctive colours, each named in honour of the forces that had just departed: the Flyers in blue for the RAF, the Gordons in red for the Gordon Highlanders, the Sailors in white for the Royal Navy and the Warriors in green for the Jungle Warfare School.

Coach Yakob highlights ANZA Soccer, 2012

Family occasion

Word about the new sports group spread fast, and within three weeks, there were over a hundred players and the programme was extended to include five-year-olds. Volunteer fathers stepped up as managers, coaches and referees. Saturday afternoons became a family occasion with mothers and siblings on the touchlines.

The trophies bequeathed by the British Forces were presented at the first awards ceremony, on the understanding they’d be promptly returned. The senior trophy was never seen again; it’s believed to grace a mantelpiece somewhere in Australia!

By the end of that first season, it was clear that a formal structure was needed. John Curran, a chartered accountant and long-time Singapore resident, made the case: in a city like Singapore, official status mattered. Rather than navigate the red tape of forming an independent society, Gordon Gerachty (by then chairman of the Australian and New Zealand Association) offered to fold the league into ANZA as a sub-committee. ANZA International Soccer League was born.

There were a few bumps along the way, notably when the Singapore Sports Council reallocated their fields, but new pitches were quickly assigned at Portsdown Road, and the league continued. Registrations quickly climbed and, with supporters cheering from the sidelines, more than a thousand people filled the grounds each weekend.

Five years after founding the league, David passed the chair to Gordon, satisfied that he’d done what he set out to do. As we celebrate 50 years of ANZA Soccer, the five decades that have followed belong to the countless numbers of players, parent volunteers, professional coaches, and cheering squads who have carried it forward.

U18 ANZA Soccer Team, 2010

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we celebrate 50 years of ANZA Soccer, our deepest gratitude goes to what has been the backbone of this group for half a century: our parent volunteers and pro coaches. From the organising committee to team managers, your dedication ensures every child feels supported. You are the reason we’ve thrived – thank you for making soccer with ANZA fun, fair and unforgettable.

1980s–1990s -Embracing Growth

The league quickly became a fixture of expat life in Singapore. Backed by the Sports Council, the Saturday morning chaos migrated across the island from Portsdown Road to Minden Road, Farrer Road and Loewen Road.

1990s The Games – Open Up

Modern inclusivity arrived in the 1990s, when the club opened its doors to girls. Playing in mixed teams helped challenge the status quo, and proved that pitch camaraderie is for everyone.

2000s Turf City & Welcoming Coach Yakob

After decades of pitch-hopping, ANZA Soccer found stability at Turf City. This era matured the programme, bolstered by the professional skills and reassuring support of former Singapore National player Coach Yakob. Continuing to coach today, he jokes: “I still share tricks with players, though it takes me five minutes to get up now!”

2011 The Matildas Take the Field

2011 marked the formal debut of the ANZA Matildas. Today, over 100 girls embody our spirit, holding their own in competitive, Singapore-wide leagues.

2017 Full-Circle Moment

Forty-one years after the first ANZA Soccer flyer was dropped, founders David and Elsie Foreman returned to Singapore for a special visit. They were met with over 800 children taking to the pitch.

2023 A New Base at CIS

ANZA Soccer officially transitioned to full-sized pitches at Canadian International School (CIS) in 2023, with additional sessions at The Cage Dempsey.

2026 Here & Now

What began as a handful of young expat players has grown into a programme for both expats and locals, with 20 teams competing in local leagues and regional tournaments. The season runs from September to April, split into two terms, for players aged 3–17. From 2026, the 12–17 age groups are based at The Cage Carlisle, while younger players continue to train at The Cage Dempsey. ANZA Soccer also runs six annual camps, competition team trials and a six-week post-season programme.