What is the ESPZEN J-League?

The Junior League (J-League) is a youth soccer league in Singapore. ESPZEN organise age appropriate fixtures, results, statistics, league tables, management of player registration and referee appointments, and communication with team managers.

At ESPZEN, we believe in giving each player the chance to develop and improve their soccer technique and intelligence. Playing 8 a side or 9 a side from a young age (10 years and below) means that players have fewer touches on the ball. Due to large squad sizes, players also get little match time. All of this results in inhibited development for many players while the minority will improve their technical ability. This combined with large pitches, large goal posts and oversized balls means the majority of players will not have an enjoyable soccer experience.

ESPZEN aims to be different in its approach to player development in Singapore. We align our pitch sizes, goal sizes and ball sizes with that of European governing bodies. The team size format is progressive and structured in a way to give each child the opportunity to develop appropriately. Match time is significantly increased in comparison to other leagues: two 35 minute games compared to two 25 minute halves.

• U9 (5v5) | 40x30m pitch | 8x6m goal | Size 3 ball
• U11 (7v7) | 50x35m pitch | 12x6 goal | Size 4 ball
• U13 (9v9) | 70x45m pitch | 12x6 goal | Size 4 ball
• U15 (11v11) | 100x60m pitch | 24x8m goal | Size 5 ball

Who can play in the ESPZEN J-League?

Teams from inside and outside of Singapore take part in the J-League, it is open to any club, soccer academy or school wishing for their players to be given the best opportunity to learn, develop and enjoy their soccer.

When does the ESPZEN J-League season run?

The J-League operates two seasons per calendar year. There are a minimum of seven match days per season, with match days taking place on Sunday’s every alternate weekend

• January – May
• September – December

Are fixtures organised in advance of the season commencing?

Yes fixtures are arranged and scheduled in advance of the season commencing. Managers, coaches and administrators are informed prior to the season starting in order to give them maximum preparation time and ensure players and parents are available for match days.

How are the results and tables displayed?

Via ESPZEN’s revolutionary website (www.espzen.jleague.com) the season’s fixtures, results and tables are displayed in full for each age group. Results are uploaded by team managers, coaches and administrators after the conclusion of each match day. Once the result has been submitted, the league table is automatically updated.

What other aspects make the ESPZEN J-League website unique?

The website also contains videos and photographs captured each match day of all the teams and players during the various matches. Professionally taken, these images and recordings can be found on the J-League Facebook page too (www.facebook.com/espzenjleague).

Once results and league tables have been updated, this impacts upon the form guides for each team, displaying their win, loss, draw record over the previous six fixtures. The top goal scorer table and individual player statistics (games played, goals scored, games to goals ratio, and man of the match awards) are updated too when results are submitted.

This level of interaction on the website is not complete without the team manager or coach contributing with their match report. It is the opportunity for each team to have their say on the fixture and to go into detail about the performance of their individuals players. This has been a well-received function on the J-League website by parents and players alike.

What is the age grouping and squad size?

Each season the age groups are altered according to the year of birth. There are four age groups currently in the ESPZEN J-League: U8, U10, U12, and U14. To be eligible for the under-8 age group, a player must be 7 years of age or younger on the 1st January of each year. For the under-12 age group, a player must be 11 years or younger on the 1st January.

When it comes to squad sizes, ESPZEN leave this to the discretion of the individual clubs, soccer academies and schools. There are unlimited substitutions, giving the opportunity for players to enter and leave the field at regular intervals. A large squad on each match day can ensure players are fresh throughout the fixtures but it can also mean match time is more limited.

What is the cost to join the ESPZEN J-League?

The total cost for each season is $594.00 per team that enters. For a maximum of 7 match days per season, two matches per match day. This applies only for the U6, U8 age groups.

For the U10, U12 leagues, the cost is $648.00 per team per season. For a maximum of 7 match days per season, two halves per match day.                                                                For the U14, U16 and U18 leagues, the cost is $777.60 per team per season. For a maximum of 7 match days per season, two halves per match day.

The cost includes qualified referees for each game, a high quality astro-turf pitch, pitch-side administration and the registration of players.

How can we join the ESPZEN J-League?

Please contact Jleague Admin (email: jleague@espzen.com or WhatsApp +65 8363 3154) to register your team for the forthcoming season.

How do I make payment for the league?

ESPZEN accepts cash or cheque, but prefers INTERNET BANK Transfer. League fees must be paid in advance before the season starts.

Here are the different payment options:
http://jleague.espzen.com/index.php?m=page&s=index&id=29

Does ESPZEN require ID cards to be checked before games?

ESPZEN JLeague has a process of player validation. It can be done off the pitch, if team managers or coaches register the players before the match day. A player can only be validated once a player has been registered online, Player photo and Player IC has been uploaded. Once the League admin has checked and compared the player Date of birth with the IC, the player is then validated. Only validated players are allowed to play.

Are ESPZEN Referee’s well qualified?

All ESPZEN referee’s are qualified and hold a referee license.