Alfie reflects on Premier League NEXTGEN Programme | Arsenal in the Community

Arsenal in the Community’s Youth Engagement Officer Alfie Ryan spoke of his pride after helping deliver the Premier League’s NEXTGEN Coach programme in Singapore, an initiative designed to develop grassroots coaches and strengthen football communities across the region.

The Premier League brought its NEXTGEN Coach programme to Singapore, delivering a four-day coach development initiative for grassroots coaches from across the region. The programme was supported by Premier League legends Joe Cole and Nemanja Vidić and aimed to enhance coaching standards at the grassroots level.

Designed to equip local coaches with the practical skills, knowledge and confidence needed to deliver high-quality football experiences within their communities, the programme was delivered by Premier League international coaches, including Alfie Ryan, who represented Arsenal, alongside coaches from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Reflecting on his experience, Alfie said:

“Singapore was an amazing experience because it gave me the chance to share my journey and explain to coaches the importance of building trust, creating genuine connections and understanding young people beyond just football.

“A real highlight was speaking on a panel with college students about my role in football, showing them a side of the game they may not have known existed, how different it can be from the norm, and the journey that led me there.”

The programme was delivered in partnership with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and Care Corner, building on the Premier League’s community coach development programme delivered in the country in 2025.

The initiative underlines the League’s continued commitment to Singapore, where it opened its first international office in 2019. Through partnerships with local organisations, the Premier League aims to strengthen grassroots coaching, increase inclusive participation and create a lasting impact within communities.

Premier League Director of Community Nick Perchard said:

“We are delighted to build on the success of the community coach programme we delivered in Singapore last year by bringing the NEXTGEN Coach programme to the country. It will provide local coaches with expert training and valuable skills that can be passed on to the communities they serve.

“Since opening the League’s first international office in Singapore more than seven years ago, we have continued to strengthen our commitment to the country through structured coach development programmes. We are dedicated to using the reach and popularity of the Premier League to support grassroots football globally and create meaningful development opportunities for coaches and young people who love the game.”

The week began with Premier League club coaches delivering a day of training sessions for staff from the League’s broadcast partner, StarHub, who already provide football coaching opportunities within local communities.

This was followed by an event at the Institute of Technical Education, where approximately 150 students heard from football professionals about their experiences working in the game and the wide range of career opportunities available within sport.

The programme also included a stakeholder engagement event at the British High Commission, bringing together representatives from across Singapore’s football landscape, including partners from FAS and StarHub.

Over three days of structured training, local grassroots coaches were guided by Premier League and club coaches, gaining hands-on experience in delivering inclusive, community-focused football sessions. This year’s cohort featured 30 coaches from a diverse range of backgrounds, selected by FAS to ensure the programme reached individuals best placed to benefit from the experience and create a positive impact within their communities.