Singapore youth footballer keeps fingers crossed for NS deferment

SINGAPORE – Last month, national youth footballer Ben Davis signed a two-year scholarship deal with English Championship side Fulham FC after impressing the club’s coaches during a six-week trial last year.

But while the 16-year-old has done his part on the pitch to further his footballing development, it will be what happens next off it that will go a long way in determining whether he can achieve his dream of playing in the English Premier League (EPL) one day.

In particular, Ben is hoping to be allowed to defer his National Service (NS) so that he can continue his footballing career in England for the long term.

The midfielder returned to Singapore on Sunday evening (Aug 6), and underwent his pre-NS enlistment medical check-up on Monday afternoon, before flying back to England on the same night. Having completed this process, Ben will now be able to officially apply for NS deferment.

It is understood the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) will lend their support to Ben’s application, which will have to also go through Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) before reaching the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).

Mr Harvey Davis, Ben’s father, said he is hopeful that the authorities will recognise Ben’s potential and agree to the deferment so that his son’s progress in the sport will not be impeded, especially at this stage of development, which he describes as “crucial”.

“Ben now has an opportunity for him to achieve his dream, and he’s at the stage and level where he can go on and do that,” said Mr Davis, who is the managing director of football school JSSL Singapore.

“We’ve been keeping the relevant authorities informed and updated all the way and we’re ready to do things the right way to help Ben get the deferment.”

To date, only two athletes have been granted NS deferment - swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen. The duo were adjudged to have the potential to be medal winners at international competitions like the Olympics.

Mr Davis admitted it would be harder to quantify an individual’s potential in a team sport like football.

He said: “Right now, we’re still unsure what yardsticks the authorities use to determine if athletes in team sports are eligible for deferment, or if there’s even one in the first place.

“If there isn’t, hopefully Ben can be the trailblazer, and his case be used to push the setting up of such criteria.

“We are remaining positive for Ben’s application, because we have faith that the system will eventually come through for our talented sportsmen and women.”

Ben confessed that the issue of NS deferment has been on his mind, but insists he is trying to focus on improving himself at Fulham.

“It was difficult (at Fulham) initially because of the different style of play and physicality of the game in England, but I’ve adapted to it,” he said.

“I’ve grown more confident as a player, and playing regularly at a higher level has helped me improve.

“I know the people in my age-group will not ease off in their development, so I can’t either. Everyone’s fighting for a professional contract, and I hope to earn one with Fulham next year.

“So that’s what keeps me going every day. I need to be better than my peers so I can play for a Championship or EPL club one day.”