Meet the young Singapore footballers playing at the Youth World Cup

The F-17 Academy are back in the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden, this year for another bite of the cherry, with two new teams — their Under-13s (11-a-side) and Under-11s (seven-a-side).

Making their tournament debut last year, the F-17 beat bigger boys from Sweden, France, Austria and England, before being stopped in the semi-finals by eventual winners TJK Legion Tallinn from Estonia.

The Gothia Cup began in 1975 and is the biggest international youth football competition of its kind for male and female players aged between 11 and 18.

This year’s event, which takes place from tomorrow until next Saturday, will feature 1,755 teams from 75 countries competing across different age groups. 

Meet the boys representing Singapore this year:

F-17 Academy B13 Team

GK Dylan Christopher Goh – 1
13, Singapore Sports School

Dedication, hard work and determination have helped Dylan develop into a top-level custodian and cement his spot in this team. Renowned for his superb shot-stopping ability, he was part of the F-17 team that won the coveted JSSL Super League title.

DF Zamani Zamri – 8
14, Bowen Secondary School

One of two permitted over-aged players, Zamani has been a bedrock of his teams at since F-17's inception in 2013. His athleticism and outstanding leadership qualities make him a role model for his juniors.

DF Adam Janssen – 3
13, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

Calm and confident on the ball, Adam is an elegant ball-playing defender who fits in seamlessly. His composure and astute reading of the game make this Singaporean-Kiwi a tough player to beat. 

DF K Dashan – 6
12, Singapore Sports School

Tenacity and a never-say-die attitude are key ingredients to making Dashan the player he is. He was the standout player during his time in Wellington Primary and the dressing room joker has benefitted from the exposure of playing and winning multiple championships in F-17 colours. 

DF Jeremy Ong – 15
13, Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)

Jeremy is a no-nonsense player who takes no prisoners in his challenges. His ability in the air provides the team with a threat from set-pieces. Sheer determination and commitment define Jeremy, and these qualities have seen him fight his way into the team. 

DF Samuel Kok – 16
13, Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)

One of the most improved players, Samuel's positive attitude and commitment during training are showing results, with the versatility he has shown making him an indispensable part of the team. His stamina and strong work ethic make him a coach's dream. 

DF Shamil Hasip – 19
12, Orchid Park Secondary School

Calm and composed under pressure, Shamil slots in perfectly at the back. Leveraging on his imposing physique and aerial ability, he brings stability to the heart of the defence.

MF Laken Limbu – 5
12, Serangoon Gardens Secondary School

Laken's strength and fitness in the middle of the park is a real menace to opponents. A key player for his school team, the Nepalese's eye for goal make him a real threat from the middle. 

MF Khairul Karim - 7
14, Singapore Sports School

Another of the two permitted over-aged players, Khairul's vision and composure are second to none in his age group. Likened to a young Paul Scholes by his coaches, he effortlessly sprays balls around the park and has a ferocious shot from outside the box. 

MF Ian Pang – 11
13, Victoria School

Blessed with a cultured left foot, Ian's close control and crosses are a joy to behold. Having previously led Henry Park Primary School to the national finals, he is currently one of the stand out players in Victoria School’s football team.   

MF Ezra Israel – 14
13, Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)

Having won the primary schools South Zone and national title in 2013, Ezra is no stranger to the big occasion. His desire to run at defenders at speed is always a joy to watch. 

FW Ilhan Fandi Ahmad – 17
12, Anglo-Chinese School (Junior)

One of the stars at last year's Gothia Cup with 16 goals in eight games, Ilhan is certainly making his name in the youth football scene, much like his famous father did decades ago at the Lions City Cup. His ability in the air and his understanding of the game allows him to excel in both attack and defence.

FW Vasileous Chua – 9
13, Tanjong Katong Secondary School

His team call him Bill, and "dominant" is often the adjective of choice. The boy of Greek-Chinese heritage combines great strength and technique to make him a handful for any defence. 

FW Marc Ryan Tan - 10
13, Singapore Sports School

Marc's superb technical ability, blistering pace and powerful build, truly sets him apart. Returning to Gothia after leading his team to a historic third-place finish last year with 12 goals in eight games, he is definitely one of the players to watch out for again.

FW Aliston Doss – 18
13, St Patrick's School

Aliston's quick footwork and deadly shots wreak havoc for the opponents. His long throws are a crucial part of the team's set-piece tactics. All these qualities make him an integral part of this talented team. 

FW Divyan Rahul – 20 
12, Raffles Institution

Divyan may be the smallest player in the squad, but his excellent positional play and composure in front of goal make him an efficient and effective striker.

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F-17 Academy B11 Team

GK Erfan Nabil Amzah – 1
10, Woodlands Ring Primary School

Erfan possesses outstanding shot-stopping ability and an astute reading of the game, which makes him one of the safest pairs of hands in his age-group. A strong communicator, he commands his box well and adds stability to the backline. 

DF Isaac Khoo - 3
11, Anglo-Chinese School (Junior)

Isaac is a steady defender who loves getting forward to join the attack. His physique and athleticism make the Malaysian boy a very dependable wing back, capable of springing a few surprises on unsuspecting opponents. 

DF Amir Syafiz Abdul Rashid - 6
11, Zhenghua Primary School

Amir is the personification of poise and composure on the pitch. Confident on the ball, he is capable of playing anywhere across the back, as well as in midfield. He is strong in the tackle and capable of playing deft passes out to launch attacks. 

MF Khaleil Kamarul Ariffin – 7
11, Tanjong Katong Primary School

Tough as nails in the tackle, Khaleil is a natural ball winner and a high-intensity box-to-box midfielder. He loves to make runs from deep and has a keen eye for goal. 

MF Eli Rafael Israel – 8
9, Anglo-Chinese School (Junior)

At just nine, Eli is the youngest player in the squad. He plays with the tenacity of a tiger and holds his own against the older boys. His tactical awareness and high work rate earned him a call-up to the squad alongside his seniors.  

MF Fawaris Amerali - 9
11, Tampines North Primary School

Capable of playing in midfield as well as defence, Fawaris is a livewire who is always in  the thick of things across the pitch. His positive work ethic and strong presence on the pitch make him a natural leader.

MF Fairuz Fazli Koh - 10
10, Canberra Primary School

It is easy to write off the diminutive Fairuz as 'weak', but he will prove doubters wrong. Fairuz is a gifted player who can play anywhere on the pitch, even in goal. Regardless of his stature, he is well capable of dictating play.

FW Febryan Putra Pradana – 11
11, Kranji Primary School

A key member of his school team, Febryan is an attacking-minded player who does his best work out wide tormenting defenders. The Indonesian boy is equally adept at creating chances as he is at converting them.

FW Adam Jasim Goual – 12
11, Lycee Francais de Singapour

Like the legendary Zinedine Zidane, Adam is a French national of Algerian descent. He is a speedy striker who can also play out wide. While close control and a quick turn of pace are key to his game, his tactical awareness and football intelligence frequently bring teammates into play when launching attacks.

FW Russell Tan – 14
10, Havens Elementary (Piedmont, California)

After training with the F-17 on a Groupon promotion last year, the American boy flew back to Singapore to train with the academy specifically for the Gothia Cup. Russell is a tricky forward with silky skills. He loves taking players on and getting behind defences to pose serious threats on goal.

FW Aryan Bahadur Chetri – 17
10, Pasir Ris Primary School

Physically strong and technically gifted, Aryan plays intelligent football beyond his tender years. He plays "between-the-lines", using his cultured right foot and superb finishing ability to devastating effect.