15-06-2025
June school holidays 2025: Little feet, big dreams
In this episode of nine2twelve, The Straits Times and a guest reviewer visit F17 Football Academy to find out how it gets kids outdoors.
SINGAPORE – Football is a popular sport in Singapore. Many young people dream of playing in the big leagues. Several football academies, including some brand-name ones, are dedicated to training young players, helping them take their skills to the next level.
In this episode of nine2twelve, a video series for kids aged nine to 12 , The Straits Times and a guest reviewer visit F17 Football Academy to find out how it gets kids outdoors.
View the video at then come back and try this crossword puzzle below.
ACTIVITY 1
Fill in the crossword puzzle with football-related terms based on the clues provided below.
DOWN
1. The break in the middle of the match, usually 15 minutes long.
3. When a player falls to the ground and, often, pretends to be injured to give the impression that a foul has been committed.
5. The player who plays in the middle of the field. He helps both in attack and defence, passing the ball and controlling the game.
6. A player who is mainly responsible for trying to score goals.
8. The person who trains the players, teaches them techniques and helps them get better at their sport.
9. The leader of the team.
ACROSS
2. The player who stands in front of the goal and tries to stop the other team from scoring. He wears gloves and usually stays near the goal area to catch the ball or block it from entering the net.
4. The act of moving the ball by kicking it with small, quick touches while running.
7. To describe the act of a player who stops or takes the ball away from the other team by getting in the way of their pass or shot.
10. When a player breaks the rules, the opposing team is often awarded this free kick, which means the player can try to score a goal, defended only by the goalkeeper.
Answers: 1. Halftime. 2. Goalkeeper. 3. Dive. 4. Dribble. 5. Midfielder. 6. Striker. 7. Intercept. 8. Coach. 9. Captain. 10. Penalty
ACTIVITY 2
Match the faces of legendary football players to their names. Each player has a story, a signature move and a place in football history. Tell us who your favourite player is and why at stdot@
Lionel Messi
PHOTO: AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo
PHOTO: AFP
Karim Benzema
PHOTO: REUTERS
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