21 minute read
ANZA Sports
GIRL POWER
CARA MAYEGA and JANELLE MACBAY – Junior ANZA Matildas Coordinators write about the power of all girl’s grassroots soccer teams.
We all know the benefits of playing a team sport and what it contributes to our children’s social and athletic development. For girls, playing with an all-girls team can be incredibly empowering and rewarding. This season (20202021) ANZA Soccer was proud to field over 150 girls, playing across all our Matildas age groups.
The girls trained together on Tuesdays, under the guidance of professional coaches and Matildas Head Coach, Adelina Gomez. On Saturdays, when Covid rules allowed, they played friendly games against our mixed and boys’ teams. For our youngest Matildas, aged from six years, they played a combination of skill drills and 4v4 games. “When Zoe asked to do a trial for soccer, I was skeptical as she is usually more interested in arts,” says Cara Mayega. “As soon as she stepped foot on the pitch she was welcomed by the other girls. She absolutely loved it and there wasn’t a Saturday where she didn’t jump out of bed and rush to put on her turquoise uniform. She might still do cartwheels between penalty kicks but seeing her this happy and engaged has been a gift.”
Matildas G10 competitive team Matildas starts from 7-years-old and welcomes newcomers.
Head coach Adelina Gomez guides the girls during a water break.
The Matildas are a diverse group of girls from all backgrounds and nationalities. New friendships on the field often extend off the pitch. Our parent volunteers make sure every girl feels welcomed and has fun. “When Kiki started at ANZA Soccer, we had she just arrived from the Netherlands,” says parent Laurens Klasen. “ANZA Matildas gave her the support she needed to enjoy soccer and make new friends.”
This year, the Matildas formed the youngest group of competitive players representing ANZA Soccer in the JSSL League, one of the most competitive leagues in Singapore. Ten girls ages 9-10 years made up two teams of five, playing and training competitively against all-girl teams aged 2-3 years older. Not only did this teach them resilience, but it also inspired them
RESEARCH SHOWS THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS TO GIRLS PLAYING TEAM SPORTS: Stronger bones Improved coordination Organisational skills and time management More focus in school Higher self-esteem Superior social skills and confidence Boosted self-image
My daughter loves playing for the Matildas - it’s a wonderful team. The organisers and coaches have created a competitive and fun sporting environment where the girls really thrive
- SHEHARA (SANDRENE’S MUM)
ANZA Soccer is a great way for siblings to bond.
The parent coaches!
to train harder, stronger, and to believe in what they can achieve with a little practice.
The Matildas, like the rest of ANZA Soccer, relies on the support of our amazing parent volunteers. We are so fortunate to have dedicated parents who play an active role every week, both on and off the pitches. ANZA Soccer is a great way for the family to come together, as many of our Matildas have siblings who also play in the mixed or boys teams. Committing together every weekend to show up is an invaluable lesson for life and forms deep family bonds. Registrations are now open for next season which will start in late August. Join our very special Matildas community and experience the benefits for yourself. anza.org. sg/sports/ soccer/girlsprogramme
WOMBATS ARE HERE TO STAY
BEN ADAMS reports on the ever-changing landscape of playing footy in Singapore during the pandemic and how the Wombats and Wombettes are burrowing in for the long haul!
Footy is back! Wait… we have to stop! OK! It’s back again! You can say this for Singapore - there’s never a dull moment. But the other thing you can count on as an Aussie living here is that the ANZA Singapore Wombats and Wombettes are here to stay, ready to put on a fun and safe training session every week (rain or shine - sometimes both).
Every Saturday from 3-5pm we’re running training down at Turf City’s Centaurs sports fields. We encourage everyone to come down for a kick, get some fitness work in and get to know the guys and girls of the club. It’s a great culture to be around and whether you’re elite, beginner or somewhere in between, you’ll get a lot out of it.
Sessions are made up of skills drills, fitness, match-situation drills and lots of different games/ challenges during these times that we still aren’t allowed to play full games. If you’ve never played then have no fear, as the group is really welcoming and we have multiple coaches and leaders to help bring you along. If you’re coming in with plenty of experience at a high level - then you’ll find plenty of high-end competition with some former VFL and VAFA players running around (just be prepared for the fact you’ll probably be asked to coach at some point).
Everyone is longing for the days when we can get out and travel again, no-one more than the Bats and Bettes, who love a tour! But in the meantime, get on down to training and let’s make the most of it together.
TRAINING DETAILS:
Interested in footy? Members can join the group at anza.org.sg/sports/wombats-afl Please check the Wombats instagram @singaporewombats for the latest schedule information and download TeamApp (then add the team Singapore Wombats) to RSVP to sign up for a training session.
For more info on training times and what the Wombats or Wombettes offer email info@singaporewombats.com or whatsapp Ben via 83504798
ANZA Cycling is celebrating its 20-year anniversary with a special shout-out on this year’s kit. MEGAN KINDER reports.
Graeme York, President & CEO, Senoko Energy, trains regularly with ANZA Racing and regularly lends his experience and skills to lead new member Induction Rides.
Each year, ANZA Cycling designs and produces a new club kit, available exclusively for current and former long-term members (also known as ‘exiles’!)
The 15 or so jersey designs that have been produced since 2001 weave a story of the club’s 20-year evolution. The colours and designs may have changed, however each iteration illustrates the shared passion that's drawn people from over 35 nations to be a part of our inclusive and welcoming community.
In the pre-COVID era, it was hard to miss the sea of uniformly dressed ANZA cyclists departing from the Botanic Gardens on Saturday mornings, usually numbering well over 100. Each group would depart as one, surely and securely, resplendent in their kit. Broadcasting a well-disciplined, highly visible on-road presence.
Sean Neilen, Global Sales Director, Ships Agency, Wilhelmsen. As with many of our members who would ordinarily be travelling extensively, Sean has clocked up more RTIs in the last year than ever before.
COVID-19 restrictions prohibit pre-ride mass grouping and carefree gatherings, but the club kit is still out in force in smaller numbers. Our uniform has perhaps never been more important - proving a powerful tool in demonstrating ANZA Cycling’s willingness to comply with the #SGUnited campaign. Our careful groupings (of 5, 8 or even 2) have drawn positive commentary from the wider cycling community as to ANZA’s organisation and discipline. An ongoing testament to the spirit of our members.
New Design and Sponsors
Rather than slapping a bold “20” over the design, and risking an association with the ill-fated year of 2020, our latest design subtly incorporates a ‘Cycling Singapore since 2001’ motif. This comes with an artful ‘magic eye’ amalgamation of the three images that have defined the jersey over the last few years: the Kiwi, Kangaroo and Merlion. This provides a stylish, club-focused backdrop to highlight our sponsor’s logos. Stripping away the jersey, members are privy to a brief ‘hidden’ history of ANZA Cycling’s origins, printed on the back panel of the bib shorts. A reminder of the Code of Conduct is tucked away inside the jersey pockets.
On one side of the zip at the collar lies our new partner, Trouble Brewing. Members may have come across their brewery at Tuas, when heading out for the iconic ‘Lamp-post 1’ pilgrimage,
where they produce a range of craft beers, cider and hard seltzer. Visit the Trouble Brewing website for online purchase and same day delivery.
Proudly claiming the centre back panel pocket of the jersey is the brand spanking new Wisecrack Drinks, offering an alternative to boozy nights and dusty mornings with a specially curated selection of refreshing, great tasting, alcohol-free drinks, also delivered straight to your door.
We are delighted to be reunited with F&B partner, Picotin. For a seriously relaxed drink or bistro meal in a glorious rustic setting, drop into Picotin Bukit Timah, perched on the edge of Green Fairways Golf Course or Picotin Katong in the heart of heritage Joo Chiat. Picotin’s newest outlet, Picotin Express offers the perfect coffee stop when riding to the new Coastal PlayGrove (formerly Big Splash, East Coast Park).
We are thrilled to once again feature St. James’s Place Wealth Management on the side jersey pocket. Bart Piestrzynski from SJP is our go-to financial investment and tax planning partner. He is also a pretty handy club cyclist who has been chalking up considerable kms around the island over the last couple of years.
The even bigger news is that we are now officially sponsored by Senoko Energy. “Senoko Energy is excited to be partnering ANZA, a community that l’m personally very passionate about,” says Graeme York, President & CEO of Senoko Energy. “As a trusted energy provider for over 40 years, we endeavour to enable our customers to #LiveSmart and #SaveSmart with service excellence, competitive rates and an exciting rewards programme for the entire family to enjoy. With working from home becoming commonplace, it’s a great time to make the switch and save over 30% on your electricity bills.”
Wilhelmsen has featured as our headline sponsor since 2018. A major supporter of the club’s regular social activities and events pre-COVID, Wilhelmsen has also been the primary
means behind our recent “MaxN” Club Brekkies and mini-group socials. We are incredibly appreciative of the continuing support that Wilhelmsen brings and delighted to announce the extension of our partnership into the year ahead.
“At Wilhelmsen we have the largest Ships Agency network in the world, Wilhelmsen Ships Service provides full agency, husbandry and protective agency services in 2,200 ports worldwide,” says Sean Neilen, Global Sales Director, Ships Agency, Wilhelmsen. “It's been a tough period through 2020 and 21 so far for many of us. With numerous restrictions in place, it has been difficult for many organisations to operate with any semblance of normality. Despite these challenges, it has been great to see the ANZA spirit continue. As a sponsor we are delighted to continue our association with ANZA and are sure we will eventually get back to riding together safely in groups, proudly wearing the ANZA kit”. Many thanks to all our sponsors for their very generous support! We look forward to being able to get all sponsors and members together in person very soon.
BOOTCAMP WITH MAJOR SAM!
ANZA Netball is extremely fortunate to have COACH SAM among the many amazing coaches that volunteer their time each week. Find out more about this military Dad, who brings some extraordinary experiences to his sessions.
Sam McGrath was one of the youngest soldiers since WWII to achieve the rank of Major in the British Army. His experience includes training the elite British Parachute Regiment as well as writing several books on fitness and running ultra-marathons.
With four daughters of his own, Sam has been a huge asset to the ANZA Netball program. His bootcamp warm-up sessions have become legendary, with both the players and their onlooking parents enjoying the spectacle and enthusiasm he has been bringing to the programme for four years. How did you get into coaching ANZA netball?
Put simply, I was ambushed by James Addington-Smith, a long-term ANZA Netball coach at a dinner party. He told me how much he enjoyed coaching his two girls, how much they enjoyed their dad being their coach and how with four daughters it would be twice as much fun for me! This was tough logic to wrestle with, so I signed up.
What do you enjoy about coaching netball?
I love seeing my girls and their friends developing a passion for sport. I’m at my happiest leading a bootcamp style warmup with anti-socially loud music. The girls just thrive on spiderman crawls, burpees, and the Rocky theme! But above all else, coaching has given me more time with my daughters, brought us closer together and helped me impart the joy of team sport to them and their friends – I love it.
How has your experience training elite soldiers equipped you for coaching girls netball?
I think they’re actually far closer cousins than you’d think. Ultimately any elite military selection course is designed to prepare soldiers for the uncertainty of combat, whereas I believe competitive sport is one of the best training grounds for the uncertainty of life. As head of paratrooper selection my objective was to
instil a mindset and mental fortitude that lived up to our regimental motto “ready for anything”, and I reckon that’s a pretty good aspiration for my netball team too!
You coached the youngest ANZA age group last season, how did the girls’ netball skills progress over the season?
The first year is transformational - the girls go from being unable to catch a ball to playing a game. But for me it’s less about the skills they embed, than the confidence and camaraderie it fosters. This year, ANZA provided a respite from masks and Covid for the girls, and we built little tribes of netball ninjas – first of 5, then of 8, and by April they were kicking butt on court!
What do your daughters think about their dad coaching netball?
I think Nellie and Bea love seeing me in a different context. With three sisters, oneon-one time with Dad is super rare and hence the time we get together doing something fun is priceless for us both.
What do the girls enjoy most in their netball sessions?
There’s loads to choose from, including learning a great game, honing new skills and making new friends. If I was to pick one it’s in their personal victories, such as scoring a goal or intercepting a ball, and being acknowledged. So, this year, with parents unable to spectate, as coaches we went BIG on praise and player of the week!
ANZA Netball’s 2021-2022 season will run from 4 September 2021 to 26 March 2022. Register at anza.org.sg/sports/ netball
PIVOTING DURING COVID
RINKA PEREZ reports on the many challenges faced by the ANZA Singapore Nippers in the past 18 months.
Since March 2020, when Circuit Breaker began in Singapore, ANZA Singapore Nippers has faced many challenges and setbacks, but they’ve been determined that the game must go on! Through months of planning and discussions, Nippers Committee Members finally formulated a plan to return kids to the beach for life saving fun.
Challenge #1 – Beach Bookings
When you think of Nippers, you think of the beach. But what happens if the beach is no longer easily accessible? This was one major obstacle faced by Nippers in 2021. When Sentosa's beaches reopened, a booking system was implemented, with all weekend attendees required to book one week in advance.
Coordinating Palawan Beach bookings across all Nippers participants and their family members seemed like a huge task, however with precise coordination and good communication, the Nippers Age Managers managed to remind participants to book their beach slots seven days in advance. Being mindful not to overbook, so our Sunday sessions could go ahead.
Challenge #2 – Group Size
New COVID-19 regulations restricted group sizes to five maximum. For Nippers that meant some age groups needed to be split into several teams. This led to further issues because
each team also required Age Managers to run the classes and Bronze Medallion holders (Bronzies) to oversee the safety of the children entering the water.
The solution was to recruit more parents to act as Age Managers, to ensure that group sizes could be kept at five and each team could operate autonomously. Nippers also recruited a local Singaporean life saver to volunteer her time each week to teach water safety and patrol the ocean to ensure the children were safe in the water.
Challenge #3 – Safe Distancing
Strict safe distancing protocols needed to be maintained, so teams were spread across two zones at Palawan Beach and a Nippers safe distancing volunteer ensured that parents did not congregate near the lessons. The drop off and pick up process was coordinated so that children could reach their team safely (checking in with their assigned Age Manager) and they could be checked out officially, without the need for parents to hang around and intermingle during the session.
Challenge #4 – Fun and Community
The essence of Nippers continues to be fun sessions, with a focus on essential water safety, swimming, and board skills, alongside team building and community spirit. Age Managers have been provided with a session booklet for games and skillset markers to be reached by each child. Equipment volunteers (participating parents) help carry and distribute heavy equipment, such as boards and accessories for games like ladders, flags, balls and hurdles. Keeping the teams small also allows kids to form closer bonds with their coach and peers.
Families are encouraged to raise community spirit through fundraising events, such as the new Nippers merchandise range, this helps create a feeling of belonging and togetherness in the Nippers community, even as new challenges arise.
ANZA Singapore Nippers is a not-for-profit volunteer group where children aged 5-13 years participate in fun activities at Palawan Beach to learn essential ocean and swimming skills.
Stay up to date with Nippers news at anza.org.sg/sports/nippers, Instagram @sgnippers and Facebook page @SingaporeNippers
ANZA Sports –
At a Glance
Get active with ANZA Sports! Joining one of our sporting groups is a fantastic way to have fun, improve your skills, make friends, get fit, and be part of our diverse and welcoming community.
ANZA SINGAPORE WOMBATS AND WOMBETTES (AFL)
This vibrant and welcoming Aussie Rules Football program is open to men and women aged 18+. Training is on Thursday evenings and Saturdays, with regular social catchups. anza.org.sg/ sports/wombats-afl
ANZA ATHLETICS
ANZA’s track-and-field programme is for kids and teens aged 5-16. Organised and run by parents, the programme teaches children track and field skills, with a focus on fun, fitness and skills. anza.org.sg/sports/athletics *Note: this programme is currently on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions
ANZA CRICKET
Three ANZA Cricket teams play in the Singapore Cricket Association. Training is usually at Singapore Cricket Club nets from 7pm on Monday evenings and the indoor nets at The Cage, Turf City. anza.org.sg/sports/cricket
ANZA CYCLING
ANZA Cycling just turned 20! Join our keen cycling group and you can get out on two wheels every morning of the week, to explore all parts of Singapore. Suits most skill levels and includes road, racing, MTB and triathlon disciplines. anza.org.sg/sports/cycling
ANZA GOLF / 9 HOLE
ANZA Golf is a great way to get outdoors, meet new people and learn how to play the game. The 9-hole golf group is aimed at beginners and is very welcoming and relaxed. anza.org.sg/sports/ golf-9-hole-ladies
ANZA NETBALL
ANZA Netball offers a fun, inclusive and competitive netball programme for players aged 6-16. Teams play Saturday mornings at Tanglin Trust School, with a mix of parent and professional coaches. anza.org.sg/sports/netball
NIPPERS
Children aged 5 - 14 learn ocean awareness through fun surf lifesaving activities, including paddling, running and swimming. Sunday mornings at Palawan Beach, Sentosa. Meet a welcoming community of beach lovers! anza.org.sg/sports/nippers
RUNNING
Looking for some running buddies in Singapore for regular casual runs? The ANZA Running Group meets Monday evenings in the Botanic Gardens and Tuesday evenings on the East Coast. anza.org.sg/sports/running
SOCCER
Get your kids kicking with ANZA Soccer! Our well-known programme is open to children aged 2 - 18, focusing on fair play and community. Saturday games and mid-week training at The Cage Sports Park, Turf City. anza.org.sg/sports/soccer
TENNIS / CASUAL
Join our social tennis group at the Fairmont Hotel, Fridays 9-11am. Beginner sessions that focus on basic skills and swings meet on Wednesdays, 11am-2pm. Afterwards, take time out for coffee and a chat! anza.org.sg/sports/tennis
ANZA SCOUTS
Open to boys and girls aged 5 - 17, Scouting is about meeting new friends, developing leadership skills and being outdoors. The ANZA Scouts meet Saturdays at various locations from 2 - 4pm.
ANZA ACTION
The community affairs arm for ANZA, supporting charities in Singapore through fundraising and volunteering activities. For info on the charities we support visit the ANZA website.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
Join this group and learn new craft skills, such as silk painting, bookbinding, candle making, sewing a bag, card creation, beading or batik. Activities are designed with beginners in mind, and each month a new craft activity will be introduced.
BOOK CLUBS
We have a number of social book clubs that meet monthly in the morning or evening. Contact us to be connected with a group that meets at a time that suits you.
CASUAL COFFEE
Mini Casual Coffee Catch Ups are being held on various days and locations around the island. Go to anza.org.sg/groups/casualcoffee to join in.
CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY
The group meets regularly to share knowledge and advice in a friendly environment as well as going on photowalks across Singapore. All levels of experience are welcome.
INVESTORS INTEREST GROUP
This money-minded group meets monthly to connect and discuss investments and important financial matters for expats.
KILL-O-METRES
Join ANZA’s walking group to get moving around some of Singapore’s great nature reserves and interesting neighbourhoods. Check ANZA’s website for times and locations.
KNIT FOR LOVE
Come along and knit beanies for Singapore Cancer Society chemotherapy patients. New knitters welcome. The group meets on the third Friday of the month in the ANZA office.
LADIES NIGHT
A monthly get-together at different, funky locations. Bring your friends or come alone and meet new members. Ladies Night is just for the girls!
MAHJONG
Join small group Mahjong sessions on various days and locations around the island. Let us know you’re interested at anza.org.sg/groups/mahjong
STITCHES
Interested in needlecraft? All levels are welcome to learn, mentor and sew.
SEA FISHING
A community of fishing enthusiasts who arrange regular boat trips across the Singapore Strait, The Andaman and South China Seas.
SECRET MEN’S BUSINESS
Lunch and lager every third Wednesday of the month. The lads also play golf in Singapore each Thursday.
TRAILING TALENT
The ANZA Trailing Talent Facebook group is for trailing spouses looking for social and networking opportunities. Find support from like-minded people facing similar challenges of isolation and looking for work in a challenging environment.
WRITERS’ GROUP
This group of new writers and published authors meets monthly online to read and discuss their work.
** Please check current Covid restrictions, which can change group sizes and scheduled meetups. Register ahead at anza.org.sg. Drop-ins to ANZA groups are not possible.
