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How Australian expatriates benefit from tax efficient structure

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With the changes in superannuation contribution caps and the unattractive tax treatment on Australian Property for Foreign Investors it is of no wonder why Australian Expatriates are seeking alternative ways to build and protect their wealth whilst residing offshore.

Fortunately, being an Australian expatriate offers access to a variety of tax-advantaged investment options, including Investment Insurance Bonds.

What is an Investment Insurance Bond?

Offshore Investment Bonds are highly tax efficient structures that offer the Australian Expat a diverse range of investment options such as cash, fixed interest, shares, ETFs or a range of other diversified investment options, with risk levels ranging from low risk to high risk. The value of the investment bond will rise or fall with the performance of the underlying investments.

Just like Super or unit trusts an investment bond is a structure that has its own set of rules.

What are the tax benefits of using an Investment Bond?

If you hold the bond for at least 10 years the returns and withdrawals from the entire investment, including additional contributions made, will be free from Income and Capital Gains Tax, even when the policy holder moves home and becomes an Australian Resident for Tax purposes.

Example:

John (Australian Expatriate) decides to purchase $100,000 worth of Facebook and Commonwealth Bank Shares. Rather than purchasing these shares directly, John purchases these shares via his new Offshore Investment Bond. Exactly 10 years and one day later (Now an Australian Resident) John decides to sell his shares at market price for $200,000. Usually, John would be required to pay tax on the $100,000 gain of his investment but because John held his investment within an Investment Bond for 10 years the gain is no longer recognized as assessable income for tax purposes.

Rules do apply (125% Rule)

Investors in investment bonds can also make additional contributions each year. As long as the contribution does not exceed 125% of the previous year’s contribution, it will be considered part of the initial investment. This means each additional contribution does not need to be invested for the full 10 years to receive the full tax benefits.

If contributions are made to the investment bond that exceed 125% of the previous year’s investment, the start date of the 10-year period will reset to the start of the investment year in which the excess contributions are made. You will then have to wait a further 10 years from this date to gain the full tax benefits.

Withdrawal Tax Rates

(Assuming policy holder has now become an Australian Tax Resident):

Other Benefits
  • Money can be withdrawn from the investment bond at any time.
  • Internationally portable structure.
  • Multi-Currency (AUD, USD, GBP, SGD).
  • Investment Bonds offer a wide range of investment options (Direct Shares, Managed Funds, ETFs) to cater for different investment strategies and risk profiles.
  • Perfect vehicle for Retirement and or Children’s education.
  • Can be used as an estate planning tool. Investment bonds sit outside the will so your elected beneficiary cannot be challenged.

Investment bonds are proving to be one of the most beneficial investment strategies for Australian Expatriates in Singapore but like all investments, it is crucial that you seek professional advice before making any investment decision.

*This post represents my personal views and opinions and is neither associated with any organization nor reflect the position of any organization. This content is also only for informative purposes and should not be construed as financial advice. Please seek advice from a Financial Adviser Representative before making any investment decisions.*

Book a complimentary consultation with leading Expat Financial Adviser Sean Abreu

 +6585027848

 seanabreu@ippfa.com

http://www.expatfinancial.com.sg

Kickin’ it in Bangkok with ANZA Soccer

Back in June, ANZA Soccer embarked on an exhilarating journey to the Bangkok International Youth Cup, also known as the Bangkok 7s. Held over the first weekend of the month, this tournament welcomed 70 teams from across Asia and Southeast Asia, showcasing some of the best young football talent the region has to offer.

Naturally, being fans of an international competition and having already ventured to Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Johor Bahru this season, ANZA Soccer were part of the sea of young stars eager to test their skills on the pitch. We proudly entered eight teams ranging from U8 to U14, including both boys and girls teams.

The tournament saw over one hundred ANZA players in action, with an additional highlight being the ANZA Legends – an enthusiastic squad of dads who took on a team of local school fathers and teachers, much to the delight (and cringe!) of the younger players.

Camaraderie

Travel arrangements for the event were a community affair, with our Singapore-based families flying into Bangkok after school and work on Friday. The majority of the ANZA contingent were spotted on popular flights out, and we apologise for the noise should any fellow passengers be reading this now.

The group stayed at the same hotel, which fostered a sense of camaraderie with everyone being in one location – the kids loved being near to their friends. Everyone enjoyed meeting up after games, swimming in the pool and sharing dinner and drinks as an ANZA family.

The tournament took place at KMITL University Bangkok, a short drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The format included a series of competitive matches that tested the skills and teamwork of all participants. ANZA’s performance was notable, with several teams achieving impressive results: the U10 Girls and U10 Boys both claimed championship titles in their respective divisions, while the U12 Girls secured a bronze finish. The U14 Girls were runners-up in the Plate competition, and the U16 Girls earned third place.

“Players and parents alike savoured the shared success”

Celebratory gathering

A fantastic moment came when the U10 Boys yellow team clinched the Cup Championship and the ANZA Legends engaged in a thrilling 90-minute draw against the BKK Dads.

The trip concluded with a celebratory shindig at the hotel’s lobby bar and restaurant, where players and parents alike savoured the success. As always, a big shout out goes to all of the ANZA parent volunteers who worked hard to co-ordinate the flights, hotel and registrations.

The highlight of the trip was seeing all the smiling faces of the teams who showed up to play their best and have a fun time on and off the pitch. The joy and enthusiasm displayed created lasting memories for all.

Looking ahead, ANZA Soccer hope even more teams will participate in future international tournaments, and aim to build on the success and camaraderie experienced in Bangkok.

GIRLS

  • U10 Shield Winners
  • U12 Shield Winners
  • U14 Plate Runner Up
  • U16 3rd Place

BOYS

  • U8 Runner up Cup (2nd)
  • U10 ANZA 1 Cup Champions
  • U10 ANZA 2 Shield Champions
  • U12 Bronze (3rd place)

Thriving in Singapore Thursday 10 October

Thriving in Singapore

Join us for morning tea, and to learn more about the ANZA community and life in SG.

For those new to Singapore or even if you’ve been here a while, come and join us for morning tea!

Thriving in Singapore, an event that welcomes new members to ANZA, will be held 9:30am – 11:30am on Thursday, 10 October at the Australian High Commission.

Discover what it means to be part of the ANZA community, and learn about our exciting upcoming events, activities and interest groups that are just waiting for you to sign up!

For newbies to Singapore, Thriving in Singapore is a brilliant opportunity to learn about the important legal and financial implications of living in the Lion City, including all you need to know about critical guardianship documents that parents need to put in place. Also, this event will keep you updated on any latest medical issues and where to find medical support should you need it while living here.

Stand a chance to win a T2 Tea Gift Pack from our Premier Partner, Select Investors. Look for the link to enter in your registration confirmation email, or you can register on the day.

Plus, you could be the lucky one to score a $100 Trip.com travel gift card from Odin Mortgage, a delightful Little Farms Gift Pack from IMC, or a $125 dining voucher.

We promise a lovely morning and a warm welcome to ANZA. If you’re flying solo don’t be shy, the ANZA team will be there to greet you.

This event is complimentary. Non-members are welcome to attend so feel free to bring a friend.

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR SECURITY PURPOSES. 

Any views or opinions expressed by ANZA or our sponsors belong to respective parties. They do not reflect the views or opinions of the High Commission, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Commonwealth of Australia.

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ANZA Adults Netball starts 26 September

Join ANZA’s Adults Netball Sessions!
After the fantastic success of our trial sessions, ANZA Netball is excited to open registrations for the first block of Adult Netball starting on 26th September!

What’s in Store:
A senior coach will lead these sessions, designed for both beginners and those looking to return to the game. Whether you’re new to netball or dusting off your skills, these sessions are perfect for everyone!

Session Details:

  • Dates: 26 September, 3, 10, and 17 October
  • Time: 7pm – 8:30pm
  • Location: Tanglin Trust School
  • Cost: $100 for the full block
  • Registration Deadline: Sunday, 22 September

What to Expect:

Social Activity: We want these sessions to be fun and engaging—a perfect chance to meet like-minded netball enthusiasts! Expect plenty of fun games and matches to keep you fit, active, and connected.

Skill Building: The initial sessions will focus on skill development, preparing players to join leagues or tournaments in the next season.

Ongoing Play: We aim to continue with regular 4-5 week blocks after the half-term break. A minimum number of committed players is essential for these sessions to continue.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get back on the court with ANZA Adults Netball, improve your skills, and have fun!

Registration to ANZA Adults Netball is only available to ANZA members. Click here to Join ANZA!

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Mahjong Group

The popular group meets up each week to play Mahjong, a tile-based game that was developed in China during the Qing dynasty. Commonly played by four players, it’s fast paced, social and great fun.

“We take beginners through to experienced players,” says organiser Sue Chamberlain. “You might join to learn Mahjong, but it’s also a good way to meet a great group of people.” New to the game? Someone will sit with you and teach you the basics. It’s fairly easy to pick up the rules and is very addictive once you get the hang of it! “Mahjong is a challenge to the brain,” says Sue. “And you get to enjoy a traditional part of Asia that you can take home with you.”

These are various sessions and ANZA Mahjong also offers a Monday evening session in the ANZA Office on Beach Road.

Registration to ANZA Mahjong is only available to ANZA members. Click here to Join ANZA! or contact the ANZA office for more information.

To join the Mahjong group register below and you will receive a link to join the WhatsApp group so we can keep you up-to-date on our regular Mahjong sessions.

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Exploring Jalan Besar Wednesday 2nd October

Exploring Jalan Besar

Did you know that Jalan Besar means “the big road” in Malay? Located between the Rochor and Kallang Rivers, Jalan Besar was a swampy area before the land was reclaimed in the 1850s for hunters, fishermen, shipyards, sawmills, rubber factories, and slaughterhouses. We’ll learn about various street names, see a church with distinctive Art Deco architecture, and visit a Buddhist temple. We’ll also explore different architectural styles of shophouses such as Rococo, Chinoiserie, and Chinese Baroque. We’ll discover how the area has transformed from hardware shops to cafes and boutique hotels, and stop by the Jalan Besar Stadium, built in 1929, where the Malaya Cup matches took place, as well as the Old Victoria School. This tour will end with a dim sum lunch (at your own cost).

Date: Wednesday 2nd October

Time : 10am – 12:30pm

Meet point: Lavender MRT, Exit B, near McDonalds

Cost: $45 ANZA Member, $50 Non-Member

Additional Notes:
– High. There will be substantial walking/exertion required in the heat. Expect to be on your feet for most of this tour with infrequent rest stops
– Wear comfortable footwear, bring water and an umbrella

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Great mates of ANZA!

Fedde and Dex, both 9

You met at ANZA Soccer. What do you most enjoy about it?
Fedde: I love to dribble to the goal and pass the ball so my teammates can score. Or if there’s an opportunity for me to score, I’ll do it to make sure my team wins.
Dex: I love being with my teammates having fun. I like playing left mid so I can pass the ball to my teammates to score.
What makes you two mates?
Dex: We met at ANZA and play soccer whenever we’re together. We have a connection both on and off the pitch.
What do you get up to together?
Fedde: Apart from soccer, we go swimming at the beach and play with our football cards. We also have sleepovers and playdates.
What do like most about each other?
Fedde: Dex is friendly and makes me laugh. He doesn’t get angry with me if I make a mistake.
Dex: Fedde helps me with soccer, and we always play nicely together. We never fight or get angry with each other.

Jemima and Jasmine in 2017 – they remain great mates today!

Jasmine and Jemima, both 15

What do you love most about ANZA Netball?
Both: Training and playing netball with friends that we don’t see every day at school.
What makes you two mates?
Jemima: We’ve been playing netball together for seven years and have shared some great times.
What other stuff do you two get up to together?
Jemima: We go to Sentosa, to concerts and the cinema.
What do you like the most about one another?
Jasmine: Jemima is always there for me and so positive and funny.
Jemima: Jassy is super supportive and fun to spend time with.

Kiki, 10, and Ava, 11

What do you like most about ANZA Soccer?
Kiki: That you need to work together to score. I like my team and we always stay positive – that’s what I love about it.
Ava: Playing competitive matches against other teams, learning new techniques and skills, as well as being in a supportive environment.
What makes you two friends?
Kiki: The moment Ava started at ANZA Soccer I wanted to make her feel welcome. We immediately liked one another and since then we’ve been best friends.
What do you enjoy doing away from the pitch?
Ava: We do baking, gymnastics, and play in the pool. We also have soccer playdates!
What do you like most about one another?
Kiki: Ava passes the ball really well, and she shares her ice packs and food! We like the same things and if I’m sad, she knows how to cheer me up. I’m always super-happy to see her.

Thai, Zenny, Harry, all aged 9

What do you most enjoy about ANZA Scouts?
ALL: Camping, exploring places, and making friends.
What makes you three friends?
Zenny: We share the same interests and enjoy talking to each other.
What stuff do you like getting up to together?
Harry: Playing with sticks that we find on the ground and having fun at the campfire. We also like discussing Minecraft and airplanes.
What do you like most about each other?
ALL: We are nice, funny, and kind!

Evie, 10, and Lily, 12

What do you like about ANZA’s sports groups?
Evie: I started ANZA Soccer three years ago and am in the 2014 Matildas. I like making friends and playing football every week with them. Lily’s dad is my coach.
Lily: I’ve been playing ANZA Netball since I was four years old. Now I’m in the 2011 netball team and recently went to the netball tournament in Perth – I loved it! I enjoy playing and socialising with my friends, and I get to do it with Mum as she’s a netball coach at ANZA.
What makes you two friends?
Evie: Lily is funny and we have similar tastes in things.
Lily: We have the same sense of humour.
What do you enjoy getting up to together?
Both: We hang out at each one another’s house and have sleep overs.

Theo and Isaac, both 5

What do you enjoy most about ANZA Nippers?
Theo: The board activities. I want to be able to surf one day.
Isaac: Being on the beach and riding on the boards.
What makes you two mates?
Theo: We like playing together. After Nippers we go for a swim and sometimes have a barbecue. We also love playing with cars or magnet tiles – until my annoying younger brother comes and breaks it up.
Isaac: We always have a good time and like to do the same things.
What do you get up to away from ANZA Nippers?
Theo: Mischief!
Isaac: Being cheeky!
What do you like most about one another?
Theo: I like playing with Isaac because whatever we do, we have a fun time.
Isaac: Theo is funny. We are really good mates and love each other.

Justine and Liz (non-age specific!)

How did you become friends?
Justine: We’re both Age Group Co-ordinators for our boys’ ANZA Soccer team.
What do you enjoy about soccer?
Liz: Catching up each Saturday morning over a cuppa while cheering our kids on from the sidelines. Seeing the players having a ball is very rewarding.
Justine: Liz has a great sense of humour and she ‘s always keen to “have a go!”
Do you hang out away from the pitch?
Liz: We always have dinners, drinks at Hero’s Bar on Boat Quay, and kid + adult playdates at the beach.

Imogen and Brooke, both 9

What do you most enjoy about ANZA Soccer?
Imogen: I like working with my team mates to try and improve. As a defender in the team, I like practicing things that make us good at defending.
Brooke: I get to play sport, learn about sportsmanship, and make new friends.
What makes you two mates?
Imogen: We have a lot in common, we enjoy the same interests, and I really like Brooke’s caring side.
Brooke: On and off the pitch we always have fun!

Friendship Matters

Forming childhood bonds at ANZA provides kids with many extra benefits:

  • Emotional Support
    Friends offer a source of comfort and understanding, helping children to navigate the ups and downs of growing up
  • Social Skills
    Interacting with peers teaches children essential social skills such as communication, empathy, and cooperation
  • Shared Experiences
    Childhood friends often share memorable experiences, creating a sense of belonging and fostering lasting memories
  • Confidence Building
    Having friends boosts self-esteem and confidence, as children feel accepted and valued within their group
  • Conflict Resolution
    Friendships provide a safe space for kids to learn how to resolve conflict and handle disagreements
  • Positive Influence
    Good mates can encourage positive behaviours and attitudes, influencing children to make healthy choices
  • Lifelong Connections
    Many childhood friendships evolve into lifelong relationships. What is better than that?!

Find out more about ANZA’s sports and activity groups for kids at anza.org.sg

Recognising cyberbullying in a digital world

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“My friends commented on Instagram that I looked fat and need to lose weight. People are being mean to me and I can’t take it anymore.”

“Everyone in my friend group went out and posted a fun picture. I wasn’t invited.”

These are some common comments you may hear from children who are victims of cyberbullying – a form of bullying where perpetrators engage in aggressive behaviour online. They use the digital space to embarrass, threaten, sexually harass, or socially exclude others.

With easy access to the digital landscape, cyberbullying can occur anytime, and perpetrators and victims can be of any age, especially with today’s youths being raised in a technologically wired culture with platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as the internet. According to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Centre in the United States, 46% of teenagers have been victims of cyberbullying.

Recognising cyberbullying

It’s important for both kids and parents to recognise the different types of online bullying that can occur:

  • Harassment: Repeatedly sending negative or threatening messages
  • Fake Profiles: These are created to hide one’s identity and attack others anonymously
  • Flaming: Engaging in electronic messaging fights with negative or vulgar language
    Denigration: Posting or sending gossip or rumours about a person to tarnish their reputation
  • Social Exclusion: Intentionally excluding someone from online groups
  • Body Shaming: Making negative remarks intended to humiliate someone’s body shape, image, weight, or size
  • Outing and Trickery: Encouraging the sharing of sensitive information which is then revealed or forwarded to others

Cyberbullying research has shown that compared to traditional bullying, victims of cyberbullying experience more short and long-term negative outcomes. It can lead to poor academic achievement, and physical and mental health issues. Victims report high levels of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, loneliness, and are more susceptible to emotional distress, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

They may experience physical difficulties such as abdominal pains, headaches, poor sleep, low energy, poor focus, and a tendency to miss school, which subsequently impacts their academic achievement. Childhood sufferers may be reluctant to inform anyone about what’s happening as they may worry that it’s their fault, fear consequences of reporting, or are concerned that their online and phone access will be restricted. Some common signs of being cyberbullied include avoiding school, sudden changes in mood and emotions (e.g. depression, anger), trouble sleeping, social isolation, and withdrawal from friends
and family.

How to help

  • Children exposed to cyberbullying should not retaliate as this encourages increased harassment from the bully and others
  • They should inform or alert a responsible adult
  • Take pictures of the cyberbullying and share it with necessary professionals (e.g. school authorities, parents, police)
  • With the help and intervention of school authorities and parents, a victim can communicate with the cyberbully to request the cessation and removal of any negative content
  • Parents can educate youth on responsible digital citizenship
  • Encourage kids to immediately report incidents to adults. Together they can work together with the sufferer to create a mutually agreeable course of action to address the situation. In this situation, it’s important to consider the child’s perspective on the course of action to be taken
  • Parents can install parental control filtering software or tracking programmes
  • Consider creating a parent-child technology use contract. The terms of the contract should be discussed between the two

In Singapore, the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) makes it a criminal offence to participate in harassing acts, whether online or in real life. This act is designed to deter cyberbullies and protect those who have become victims. It’s crucial for both kids and parents to understand this new phenomenon and its long-standing impact. Both victims and bystanders are encouraged to process the impact of these incidents with a counsellor or psychologist to reframe the narrative for themselves and develop coping strategies.


Kavitha Manokaran is a Senior Clinical Psychologist from International Medical Clinic (IMC). She specialises in therapy/counselling and psychological assessments for children and adolescents. She also provides adult therapy.

 

 

Online booking www.imc-healthcare.com or call 6733 4440
For updates, useful tips and engaging content, follow @international_medical_clinic

Kavitha is available for booking at IMC Camden, IMC Children and IMC Katong

Ask the expert: Is Australia still the “Lucky Country”?

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It should be no surprise that taxation in Australia is high. As the world’s largest island, it’s twice the size of India with less than 2% of its population. Six states, two territories (each with their own governments) and a first class public health system all need to be funded.

Australia sustains its vast infrastructure and services through income tax on a relatively small working population of 64% of its 27 million inhabitants, alongside taxes on worldwide income, capital gains on Australian taxable real property (no matter where the owner resides), and other indirect taxes.

Living in Singapore, we have seen prices rise over recent years, but if you’ve dined in Sydney recently, you will appreciate that the increased cost of living is not confined to the little red dot.

Naturally, when consumption spending increases, the ability to save money diminishes. Under Paul Keating, the government implemented measures to counteract this by making superannuation mandatory – shifting the savings burden from the government to the taxpayer. This compulsory, tax-advantaged savings scheme is designed to ensure that come retirement, working Australians have a nest egg.

The challenge for many who have moved overseas is that the superannuation guarantee is no longer deducted at source from incomes. Consequently, we (should) have additional monthly disposable income (increased by the reduced level of tax), potentially leading to a future savings gap if we don’t put it to good use.

Accumulated wealth

They say every challenge provides an opportunity, and this is the case here. Whilst superannuation is a valuable savings mechanism, it does have access restrictions and is not available until retirement (ages 55 – 60, depending on your date of birth), or when you reach age 65, even if you are still working.

In building any financial plan for clients, alongside determining how wealth is to be built and protected, it is equally important to reach clarity on what accumulated wealth is to be used for and when it is needed. If, for example, funding is needed for university fees and retirement is some way off, superannuation will not be an appropriate solution (even if we could add to it).

“Every challenge provides an opportunity, and this is the case here”

Fortunately, a viable and tax-effective solution does exist for Australians living overseas in the form of an “offshore life assurance bond”. Capital growth within the structure is sheltered in Singapore (and even after returning to Australia), until such time that money is withdrawn. If this weren’t good enough, if the money is withdrawn more than 10 years after the establishment of the structure and the investor is an Australian tax resident at the time, there is NO tax on any amounts withdrawn. This 10-year period holds provided that in any one year, the total investment made does not exceed 125% of the prior year, as exceeding this will trigger a reset of the 10-year start date.

Not only can the structure be an important source of capital before retirement, but it can be held as an important asset for tax-free passive income to complement superannuation/investment property income, etc.

Clients often ask why every expat Australian does not utilise this opportunity. I wish I knew.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. You are advised to seek independent tax advice from suitably qualified professionals before making any decision as to the tax implications of any investment.

Given that every individual situation and circumstances differs. Please contact us to discuss your specific circumstances on
steve.settle@sjpp.asia or +65 9776 0969

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Singapore represent St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited, which is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group, and it is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is a member of the Investment Management Association of Singapore and Association of Financial Advisers (Singapore). Company Registration No. 200406398R. Capital Markets Services Licence No. CMS100851. St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group Ltd Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom.Registered in England Number 02627518.

10 minutes with ANZA Soccer’s Coach Yakob

How did you become ANZA’s Head Soccer Coach?

In 2000, I was a part-time coach with ANZA. When the Head Coach resigned, I volunteered to step up. The support and trust from the committee gave me confidence to take on the challenge. We had 400+ registrations at the time and worked on a plan to improve the programme by hiring more professional coaches and talented parent coaches to support the players.

Have you always loved soccer?

When I was a kid, I used to carry my older brother’s soccer boots for him. He was a goalkeeper and watching him play matches made me want to be like him. I’ve been a Liverpool supporter since the 1970’s. I was starstruck by the goalkeeper Ray Clemence.

How did you start playing professionally?

I started playing for my estate’s school team and then for Tampines Rovers Police, Singapore’s National Youth team and Singapore’s National team. I still share dives and tricks with ANZA’s soccer players, although it takes me five minutes to get up now compared to back then!

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

ANZA kids are so keen to learn and improve themselves as players. This makes sessions engaging and fruitful not only for me, but importantly for the kids. Ultimately, “Head Coach” is just a title. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the immense support of the parents, coaches and the ANZA Soccer committee.

How do you plan programmes?

They are run according to the needs and the number of players. The professional and parent coaches are also given autonomy to tweak the training where necessary. When teaching kids, what’s arranged may not always go that way!

When did the Matildas start?

The Matildas started in 2016 when more girls joined ANZA Soccer. Our female players are more competitive than the males, hence they have won many tournaments! Our parent coaches Janelle, Leah and Tyske have helped ANZA Matildas soar to new heights.

Picture by David Lau

Do you have a proudest moment?

Being a non-profit club, we may be seen as an underdog during competitions, but that never stops us from winning trophies at tournaments. When we win, the gleam of happiness from the children is irreplaceable. My heart swells with joy knowing how much work goes on behind the scenes from the players and the coaching team.

“When we win, the gleam of happiness from the children is irreplaceable”

How do you ensure that ANZA Soccer continues to grow?

I strongly believe that investing in professional coaches and having a pool of dedicated parents who understand soccer is essential to making the ANZA Soccer programme thrive. I’m constantly on the lookout for new coaching talent. We’re also always open to feedback from the parents and players on how we can make the sessions more beneficial. The pit stops I take after tournaments give me time to reflect on what can be improved.

What’s your vision for the future?

For ANZA Soccer to continue being a successful academy where all nationalities can unite, bond and be a family; a place children can look forward to attending every week and miss when we are on a break.

Discover more about ANZA Soccer at anza.org.sg/sports/soccer

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