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Jeffery Bridges
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This issue, in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup 2014, orange introduces you to Ernie Sulatri, a rising star in

But before we get started, let us explore some facts about the World Cup: Uruguay (2), England (1), France (1) and

8 different national teams have won since the inaugural FIFA World Cup.

Other winners are Italy (4), Germany (3), Argentina (2), An estimated 715.

After this year s FIFA World Cup Brazil, the next two World Cups will be in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.

two-week trial with two L-League teams, hoping to score a contract with either team.

As a child, she was a regular supporter at her father s football games when he played for Police FC.

Growing up, playing football was a common family activity for the young athlete.

team. Since then, Ernie has been a prominent figure in the local women s league and Challenge Cup, playing for the

She has also played for Singapore s national female football team, representing the country in numerous

Her experiences while training in Japan Training in Japan was an eye-opener for the midfielder.

session. The Japanese teams are super disciplined when it comes to training. No one is ever late!

ups. Three coaches were also present to facilitate every session and a physiotherapist and acupuncturist would even

4 This issue, in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup 2014, orange introduces you to Ernie Sulatri, a rising star in the Singapore football scene! But before we get started, let us explore some facts about the World Cup: Uruguay (2), England (1), France (1) and Spain (1). There have been 19 FIFA World Cup tournaments since different national teams have won since the inaugural FIFA World Cup. Brazil have won 5 titles, more than any other team. They are also the only team to have played in every World Cup. Other winners are Italy (4), Germany (3), Argentina (2), An estimated million people watched the final match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup (which had Italy winning France in a penalty shootout) held in Germany. The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was broadcast to 204 countries on 245 different channels. After this year s FIFA World Cup Brazil, the next two World Cups will be in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in by Valerie Goh & Kriffith Fernando Day in the life of a professional footballer Meet Ernie Sulastri, a rising star in Singapore s football scene. Being the first female footballer in Singapore to launch her football career overseas, many would regard Ernie as a trailblazer. I have always wanted to travel overseas and make the sport I love a career, the 25-year-old midfielder shared during our interview. With the help of her close friend, Abirami Apbai Naidu, who liaised with the Japanese teams, she flew to Japan for a two-week trial with two L-League teams, hoping to score a contract with either team. With her outstanding skills and talent, Ernie was awarded a contract to play for Bunnys Kyoto SC, a renowned team in the Japanese L-League. Despite her success overseas, Ernie has remained humbled by her success and hopes to continue sharing her passion for football to the girls in Singapore. How it all started It was apparent that Ernie s talent for football ran in the family. As a child, she was a regular supporter at her father s football games when he played for Police FC. Her brother-in-law was also a football player in the Singapore Men s League. Growing up, playing football was a common family activity for the young athlete. However, Ernie only started playing seriously at 18 years old when she joined ITE College East s female football team. Since then, Ernie has been a prominent figure in the local women s league and Challenge Cup, playing for the H-TWO-O Ultimate Women s Dream Team. She has also played for Singapore s national female football team, representing the country in numerous international tournaments and friendly matches. Her experiences while training in Japan Training in Japan was an eye-opener for the midfielder. Sharing about her experiences, Ernie recalled the meticulous preparation by the Japanese teams before each training session. The Japanese teams are super disciplined when it comes to training. No one is ever late! Ernie was awed to see every single player in the team come down an hour before training just to do their own warm ups. Three coaches were also present to facilitate every session and a physiotherapist and acupuncturist would even be on stand-by. The professionalism shown by the Japanese teams greatly impressed Ernie. Her favourite team this World Cup When asked about her favourite World Cup team, Ernie exclaimed Brazil! immediately with a big grin across her face I have been supporting them since I was a kid so I am going to stick by my team! Spoken like a true blue fan. Her thoughts about soccer being viewed as a male-dominated sport I have seen many talented girls in Singapore. It is true that guys are physically stronger than girls but in terms of skills, the girls are not lagging behind. We can play beautiful football as well. Girls should be given more opportunities to develop their talent in the local football scene. With more exposure, I think we can change the public s perception of soccer being a male-dominated sport. Her advice for aspiring professional athletes Ernie has always been a firm believer in working hard for what she wants. Despite her talent for football, she has never stopped training hard and improving herself constantly. To quote her mantra, Being hardworking pays off more than being skilful. Skills can only bring you this far but with hard work, one can achieve anything. Her future goals To play football professionally and become a full time coach

FACT BOOK Use these interesting facts and figures from around the world and the world of soccer to help inspire your soccer season.

FACT BOOK Use these interesting facts and figures from around the world and the world of soccer to help inspire your soccer season. 1994 USA The Most Successful World Cup EVER! In 1994 the World Cup came