As the Lion City Sailors U12 boys stepped onto the pitch in Gondomar, Portugal, the cold air hit harder than expected. But it wasn’t just the temperature that took their breath away—it was the level of football.
The Sailors were in Europe to take part in the LGSP International Youth Cup, one of the continent’s premier youth tournaments. Lined up against academy giants like Benfica, FC Porto, and SC Braga, the young team from Singapore had every reason to feel the pressure.
But they also had a purpose.
“Our main goal was to expose the boys to high-level international competition,” said Head Coach Hamqaamal.
“We wanted them to experience different playing styles, push themselves outside their comfort zone, and come together as a unit during tough moments.”
It didn’t take long for those “tough moments” to arrive. The team struggled at first—hit by both the biting cold and the blistering tempo of European football.
“At first, it was a bit of a shock,” Hamqaamal admitted.
“The weather was tough. The speed of play, physicality and aggression were on another level. But after our second friendly, the boys adjusted. They started matching the intensity.”
One of those boys was Iqbal, who admitted feeling both nervous and excited before facing some of Europe’s best.
“I felt fortunate to play against top teams like Benfica,” he said.
“The players were so talented, and it really challenged me to improve my game.”
Iqbal’s performances didn’t go unnoticed—he was named Man of the Match against SC Salgueiros, one of several Sailors to earn individual accolades during the trip. Ahyan shone in the match against Rio Ave FC, Cian stood out against IFK Stoksund, and Raphael earned his award in the hard-fought win over SC Leixões.
The team’s defining moment came in a gritty showdown against SC Leixões, a powerful Portuguese side backed by a vocal home crowd and a wall of drums echoing from the stands. The Sailors were down early and freezing in the rain. But they didn’t buckle.
“The boys stayed composed, stuck to our game plan and fought back,” said Hamqaamal.
“They equalised and then won 2–1. That game showed real mental strength and resilience.”
But it wasn’t all football. The trip also offered moments of growth off the pitch—bonding over long-haul flights, sharing meals, supporting each other through post-match interviews, and even cheering on the Sailors’ senior team in the AFC Champions League 2 semi-final.
“They really embraced the experience,” said Hamqaamal. “It felt like more than just a football trip—it was a chance for them to grow as people.”
For Iqbal, it was the weather and the pace of the game that stood out most. But it was also about learning and applying those lessons back home.
“If we can bring that kind of fast football to our league games, it’ll help us improve,” he said. “Teams in Singapore don’t play like that.”
Looking ahead, the tournament has left a lasting impact—not just in terms of results, but in the boys' mentality and maturity.
“Experiences like this are priceless,” Hamqaamal reflected. “It gave them confidence, perspective, and a glimpse of what’s possible. I believe this trip will shape them for years to come.”
They flew to Portugal as a group of young footballers chasing a dream — but returned a little tougher, a little wiser, and a whole lot hungrier.
