A Hotpot For Football: 2025 SCC Soccer 7s serve up richer mix of teams & talents

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The 31st Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) Soccer 7s was the biggest edition yet

The Padang played hosts to a record 82 football teams, across 7 categories at the 31st edition of the SCC7s. These included youth academies, women’s, corporate to grizzled veterans and past legends.

Football For All

Since its first inception, the annual event has steadily evolved into something more than just a weekend kickabout. With teams flying in from neighbouring Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and even Japan, the standard and competition has increased.

“It’s like a hotpot”, says tournament organiser Chang Guo Guang, referencing the popular dish to the spread of categories the tournament now boasts.

“If we only go for the pro teams, then you’ll never see the Masters categories..some of these players represented Singapore in the past and they deserve to (have the opportunity) to play at the Padang”.

Players from the Youth categories at the Padang (Photo from Lau Lup Yun – SCC Soccer 7s)

The recent SCC Soccer 7s editions have seen it expand to cater to a wider range of categories and addition of more teams – for grassroot football clubs and even players from the Singapore Premier League (SPL) take part.

According to Chang, this was a deliberate decision so that they are able to stick to their vision to “bring the football fraternity in Singapore and the region together”.

He recalls his vastly different experience playing at overseas invitationals such as the Hong Kong (HK) 7s which would usually attract professional clubs and even youth teams from the English Premier League. As compared to the Royal Bangkok Sports Cup (RBSC) Soccer 7s, which has a lower barrier to entry, where anyone can participate.

SCC Soccer 7s Organising Chair – Chang Guo Guang (Photo: Lau Lup Yun – SCC Soccer 7s)

Chang shares that if they had gone with the former, they would then have to close their doors to a lot of teams. And to ensure that the SCC7s appeal to the masses and general public, the organisers made it a point to invite a former pro player to grace the event.

“As we celebrate the sport, it’s always nice to have someone that we can learn from,” he said.

Learning From The Legend

Joining the event this year was Jorge Burruchaga – the 1986 World Cup winner and the man who slotted that goal in the final for Argentina’s 3-2 win over West Germany. Aside from playing with Diego Maradona, the Argentinian football legend was also involved in the country’s 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign, serving as Team Manager.

“He may not be able to speak English.. but you can feel the emotions and passion he possesses and the words he impart to the audience were very wise, straight from his heart.”

Despite the time difference and sweltering heat in Singapore, Burruchaga was heavily involved and even featured in some of the 7s game during the 2-day event.

Argentina Legend Jorge Burruchaga speaking at the Q&A session (Photo: Lau Lup Yun – SCC Soccer 7s)

The 62-year old engaged in a Q&A session, which lasted for over an hour at the tournament’s gala dinner on Friday, sharing interesting nuggets and valuable stories from on and off the pitch from the 1986 World Cup Finals in Mexico.

“With no doubt, that was the highest joy in my life and my professional career – to win the Cup in 1986 and bring it home for the 30 million Argentinian people” said Burruchaga.

That was the last World Cup title La Albiceleste had won, following heartbreaks in 1990 & 2014 where they finished as runners-up. It wasn’t until 2022, where Lionel Messi led the team to end their 36-year wait to lift football’s biggest prize once again.

But when asked about the comparisons between the late Maradona and Lionel Messi, Burruchaga said that it will always be very ‘tricky’ as the context of where they came from and been through was very different.

Defending The Crown

Looking forward to the 2026 World Cup next year, he believes that the current squad led by Head Coach Lionel Scaloni is in a good position and should be considered a favourite.

“They are showing a very high level, as shown when they won quite easily against Brazil 4-1”.

The defending champions had just booked their World Cup ticket to the USA after thumping rivals Brazil in the Qualifiers, leaving the Seleção in a precarious position.

He likens himself to fellow midfielders – Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) & Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) from the current crop of players and believe that they will play a pivotal role in the next campaign.

Burruchaga isn’t the first legend to visit the Padang. Past editions have also seen Arsenal’s Legend Ray Parlour and Liverpool’s Patrik Berger, Dietmar Hamann graced the event.

Goal 2026

So who’s next? “Maybe someone from Asia,” Chang teased. “We’ve had Europe, now South America. We are always open”.

The challenge, he admits, is picking the right legend. “It has to feel right. Not just a big name, but someone who fits our values. Burruchaga came in part through the Argentinian ambassador to Singapore. It clicked and it worked.”

Reflecting on his return to Singapore, he leaves a parting message for the people chasing their football dreams: “Dream big. Believe. And invest in the future—especially in the formative years. That’s how football grows.”

Burruchaga roll back the years against fellow Masters players (Photo: Lau Lup Yun – SCC Soccer 7s)

Preparations for the next SCC Soccer 7s are already on the way, with the dates booked for the first week of April.

Guest of Honour Mr Desmond Tan – Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office also graced an exhibition match on Sunday (6 April) between the SCC Celebrity All-Stars vs Sponsors Select to end the event on a high.