Super Reds Football Idol Auditions

Around 200 wannabes flocked down to the SAFRA Tampines pitch this morning as they hoped to be among the successful candidates who will don the red jersey of Super Reds FC.

For the record, Super Reds used to be an all-Korean team before a decision was made at the end of the 2009 season to go local as they bidded to remain in the S.League for the upcoming 2010 season.

In their bid to look for Singaporeans to fill up the slots, an open trial is called, with the players looking to impress the "judges", Super Reds coach Jeon Kyeong Joon and former Lions goalkeeper David Lee.

A few of them had played at the highest level while some used to be involved in the local clubs' Prime League and Centre of Excellence sides. There were also others who had impressed at school or institution level and were looking to use this opportunity to impress.

Reputation and prior experience meant little as the experienced eyes of the selectors were looking at those who could make a different to the new-look Super Reds should the team be readmitted as a local side.

This is the first time in a long while that an open trial has been conducted by a local professional club. Previously there will be players who can be seen trying out with different teams at the start of the new football calendar, but they are usually full and far between.

Due to the newness in creating a local outfit from its foreign predecessor from scratch, there is a necessity for such an exercise. Gone is the familiarity factor, as it is open season for all.

Skeptics may be wondering why go through all this trouble when a place in the league is not even assured yet. Give credit to the Super Reds though for taking initiative rather than waiting for things to happen.

By taking the risk of having such an open trial, it also shows from this exercise there is talent on display. As one official conducting the trial remarked: "Who says Singapore have no footballing talent?"

If the tried-and-trusted system with a club fails, perhaps an open audition for new players is a better solution. It allows the newcomers to come in and challenge the so-called established footballers who will be made to play on their toes. Cue local minnows Balestier Khalsa, Woodlands Wellington and Sengkang Punggol to do the same to reverse their fortunes?