Where Passion Unites Them: Union Men's Veteran Champion NTWU A

By Janet Chia

(original submission to ntuc usports and voxsports)



Mr Subra (left 1) with his team from NTWU A, before quarter-final match



Amongst the sea of participants for the 7 a side soccer at U Games 13/14, there is a group of men who easily stood out. Donned in their team colours of purple and red, they were not exactly the most prominent or colourful team of the day. However, what made them easily noticeable is their jovial outlook. The group of men were full of laughter at the grandstand while waiting for their turn to play.

In an exclusive interview with the Men's Veteran team from National Transport Workers' Union, more qualities were unveiled in the process.

Led by captain Mr Subra, 46, the team of 10 men who are all above 40 years old, are bus captains by profession. While most of them serve different districts, meaning that most of them do not work together, however their passion for soccer have brought and kept them together these years.

They regularly meet up for soccer trainings on their own within their districts, despite their busy and irregular work schedule. Members who resides across the causeway will have their own training in Johor Bahru, while Mr Subra and other will mostly train in Ang Mo Kio where they play under the wings of Ang Mo Kio Rangers as recreation. It is only during competition period that they come together as a whole to play. The team also plays regularly in the internal games organised by the National Transport Workers' Union.

 Regular participants of the U Games 7 a side, NTWU A has also been regular podium finisher.

"So many medals, I also don't know how many times I've joined", commented Mr Subra.

The team's hard work had seen them emerge runner up in Group A which qualified them into the semi-finals. After a 2-0 win against DBSSU, the men booked a spot in the finals with UWEEI, where the game concluded in 0-0.  Unwavered by their experience and determination to win, NTWU A managed to  produce a 0-2 penalty shoot out to take the title.

When asked of what kept the team going all these years, Mr Subra replied that "we love soccer, we also love our teammates".

Congratulations, NTWU A!



Finals: NTWU A managing a great save!





Semi-final: NTWU A vs DBSSU

 











Finals: UWEEI missing out on the goal

Finals: NTWU A vs UWEEI

Union Men's Veteran Champion!