The history of American Football in Singapore dates all the way back to the 1970s, when the Singapore American Football League (SAFL) was founded to create an opportunity for children of American expatriates to play organized football in the city-state. The program, targeted at youths aged between 13 and 18 continues to this day.​

In 2021, the SFFA was officially incorporated as the Flag Football Association (Singapore) – a registered society - in order to expand its reach and deepen roots in the community. They welcome everyone, of all experience levels, to join and make guaranteed friends on the field and great memories.

“We feel strongly that it is our responsibility to make flag football accessible to everyone, and we believe that we've created a league that balances competitiveness and fun,” says Singapore team manager Noel Bay. “We will always welcome anyone who is interested to come out and play.”

The IFAF Asia Oceania Flag Football Championships will see Singapore send a national team to an IFAF competition for the first time. The team officially trains twice a week and has gym sessions on Sunday with partner Battlefront Crossfit.

IFAF asked some of Singapore’s players and coaches what to expect from their team during the upcoming tournament and found out more about their experiences in playing flag football.

How did you start playing or coaching flag football and when?

James Rosewarne, Head Coach: Officially I started coaching this year once we decided to develop our national team. However, I have been coaching guys on an individual level since 2018. This took off more during the Covid pandemic and Singapore's reopening and relaxation post lockdown. We would run Saturday morning sessions to get out of the house which some of the guys in this team would attend.

Dean Owyang, Quarterback: I started playing flag football in 2022. I got involved with flag football when I chanced upon the Singapore Flag Football Association (SFFA) when group sports were slowly allowed to train and play together in Singapore and around the region.

Were you involved in tackle football before, or do you still play? 

Noel Bay, Team Manager: I played tackle football for a year for the University of Manchester Tyrants when I was studying in the UK. I loved my time there and when I came back to Singapore, flag football allowed me to continue my passion for the sport.

What is the appeal of flag football?

James Rosewarne, Head Coach: I think it gives players the freedom to express themselves athletically without the fear of the injuries associated with the padded game.

Noel Bay, Team Manager: We have a good number of both expatriates and in recent years, locals, who have caught on to the sport. Apart from the competitiveness, I believe that the social aspect of flag football is attractive, where you get to meet people from different nationalities. We have ex NFL-practice squad and European league players who play in our local flag football league, and also players with College D1 experience. It is a great mix of people and a camaraderie has been built up over time. A shout out to our expatriate brothers who got us going many years back and built in the foundations and structures for the success that we see today.

Many of the teams who will be in Malaysia will play in an IFAF international competition for the first time. Do you think it will be a competition that is wide open and what is your expectation for the Singapore team?

James Rosewarne, Head Coach: I haven't really set any expectations for the boys. I think the main thing is that they go out there, express themselves and enjoy the experience. I have never been one for setting expectations high and putting all that pressure on yourselves. I think we just have to take each game as it comes and see where we are when it’s all said and done when that final whistle is blown.

Jonathan Ma, Player: I would love to see competitive games being played throughout the three days, and all the teams, whether they be experienced or not, give a good account of themselves. My expectation for the SG team, is that we put it all on the line and our result to justify all the work we've put in so far.

Have you played in other tournaments on your continent?

Brian Ong, Player: I have taken part in several Southeast Asian regional flag football competitions and it was great and I've gotten significantly better since the first time I played.

What will be the strengths of the Singapore team?

Dean Owyang, Quarterback: The Singapore team is made up of players from different backgrounds and of all ages. To overcome adversity and have each other's backs regardless how difficult the situation may be is a strength I see resonate with every player and coach in our team.