Four months ago, Tampines Rovers’ youth footballer Caelan Cheong performed well enough in his O levels to get into junior college.
But, instead of making sure that Caelan focuses only on his studies to get into a top university, his father Clive, 49, is not averse to him pursuing football as a profession.
Clive, a director of a used car company, said: “We always listen to what Caelan has to say. He has his own set of opinions and what we do is to give him our point of view and advice.
“In the past, my parents never gave me that kind of opportunity (to turn professional).
“Now that my kid has the passion and as parents we are able to support them, I think as long as he can manage his studies and football well, we can’t ask for more.”
Clive and his wife let Caelan decide whether to focus on his O-level revisions or answer a national call-up for last October’s Under-17 Asian Cup qualifiers in Bangladesh, which took place just before his exams.
Caelan eventually chose to prepare for his O levels fully and called it a “huge disappointment” having to skip the tournament.
But it paid off when he recorded a commendable nine points for his L1R5 score, which helped him get into Anglo-Chinese Junior College.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 03, 2023 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 03, 2023 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
PRANCING IN A PACK
Ferrari boss says constructors' c'ship too close to call, with four teams in the mix
F1 drivers swear by their 'human' emotions
Leading Formula One drivers at this week's Singapore Grand Prix said on Sept 19 they would not tone down their language on team radio, after governing body the International Automobile Federation (FIA) warned them to cut out the swearing.
NIGHT RACE CRUCIAL TO TIGHT TITLE FIGHT
For the first time in years, F1 heads to S'pore with a genuine battle for the drivers' crown
VOLUNTEERS WITH PASSION FOR F1
Love for the motor sport sees helping hands of S'pore GP return year after year
Hojlund and Mount to return in 'careful way'
Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount could make their returns during Manchester United's English Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on Sept 21, but manager Erik ten Hag is wary of rushing the duo back from injury.
ALISSON A DOUBT AGAINST CHERRIES
Slot also set to be without Elliott; expects 'aggressive' Bournemouth side
Raya's saves the best Arteta has ever seen
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed his goalkeeper David Raya, after the Spaniard's miraculous double save earned his side a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in the Champions League on Sept 19.
DIVERSITY KEY FOR FENCING EXCO
Team of 11 include national water polo captain and former S'pore wushu athlete
Surge in Ohtani-mania after historic 50-50 feat
Japan erupted in cheers on Sept 20, a day after national hero Shohei Ohtani blasted his way into Major League Baseball (MLB) history as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season.
Foreign-led Young Lions eye new territory
Things are looking upbeat for perennial bottom dwellers Young Lions this Singapore Premier League term with the infusion of several foreign players and seasoned campaigners.