Home United to launch collectible player cards this month

SINGAPORE — In a bid to generate more interest in local football, S.League side Home United will be launching collectible cards featuring their players at the end of this month.

Taking a leaf from player trading cards featuring English Premier League and Champions League players, which are produced by British company Topps, and are hugely popular among youngsters around the world, Home United’s cards will feature all their first-team players and three members of their Prime League squad. They will be sold in bundles of four for S$2. 

They will be available at the Protectors’ club office at Bishan Sports Hall, as well as at the Bishan Stadium during home matches.

“We know S.League merchandise like jerseys and t-shirts can be expensive, while items such as keychains and caps are very common,” Home’s marketing and communication executive Chng Kah Hui told TODAY. 

“We did some research and found that football cards are very affordable and very popular. As such, we decided that this initiative will be good to develop interest in our players among the local community and create some buzz around Home United.”

Home head coach Philippe Aw has given his club’s initiative the thumbs up. “This is the first time in several years something like this is being done in the S.League,” he said. “Hopefully this will attract more fans and allow them to get to know our players better.”

S.League player cards were last manufactured back in 1998, when Taiwanese company Cardwon produced them for each of the 11 clubs then. 

Home are planning to print 15,000 cards for the first run. “However, if the response is good, then we may produce more,” said Chng. 

“In addition, we are also launching a card-collecting competition. There will be attractive prizes awaiting the first few people who complete the entire set. This will ensure there is constant engagement with fans.”

Home winger Faris Ramli is excited at this latest marketing effort by his club. 

“This is a fantastic marketing initiative. This will allow our community to know my teammates and I better,” said the Singapore international. “We are honoured to be the first S.League players to be featured on cards this season, and it gives us a confidence boost when we go out to play matches.”