It has been a quiet yet remarkable rise for Amelia Tan. At just 14 years, 4 months and 4 days, she is the youngest-ever Lion City Sailors Girls Academy graduate to start for the senior team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Amelia, who made her senior debut on the opening day of the season, has already announced herself with two goals, displaying a composure on the pitch that belies her age.

As the 19th Girls Academy graduate to break into the senior side, her journey is another strong reflection of a pathway that continues to shape the team. Now, with the Sailors set to face Balestier Khalsa on Tuesday (21 April) at the Bukit Gombak Stadium, the spotlight turns once more to the league leaders’ next test.

“Coming through the academy has played a big part in my growth,” said Amelia.

“It has taught me how to deal with the highs and lows and not get carried away by either. Off the pitch, balancing football and studies hasn’t been easy, so I’ve learned how to manage my time better. Over time, I became more disciplined.”

That grounding is evident in her approach to both training and matches, which is underpinned by habits built over years in the academy system.

“One of my biggest takeaways is to give my best in every training session and match, and to stay consistent while focusing on my own development. Even on days when we are not at our best, we still need to put in the effort,” she said.

“Things do not always go our way, and we should not let small setbacks affect us too much. The academy gave me time to develop my basic skills step by step and understand the game better tactically, which helps me make better decisions on the field.”

That preparation has been tested this season. Balancing minutes between the WPL side and the Sailors Women’s B Team in the Women’s National League (WNL) is no easy task, but Amelia has thrived in both environments.

She has already netted twice in the WPL, while lighting up the WNL as its runaway top scorer with 12 goals in just six matches for the unbeaten B Team.

Yet, beyond the goals, it is her humility and hunger to improve that stand out.

“It was definitely a proud moment for me to make my WPL debut. But this is only the beginning and there is still a lot more for me to improve on,” said Amelia.

“I have to keep working harder to earn more opportunities. Playing in the WPL pushes me out of my comfort zone and helps me reflect on my mistakes instead of dwelling on them.

“Being the current top scorer and getting consistent minutes in the WNL is encouraging and reminds me that hard work will pay off. But I know the WPL demands much more, and there will always be stronger opponents.”

With the Sailors returning from the international break, focus has been firmly on maintaining standards ahead of their clash with Balestier, following a record 20-0 victory over Hougang United in their previous outing two weeks ago.

“Our team has been working on our chemistry and our finishing in front of goal, which is very important at this stage,” shared Amelia, who missed the Cheetahs clash due to her involvement in the JSSL 7s.

“I expect Balestier to put up a strong fight. Since we have already played them before, they will be familiar with our style, so we have to maintain our intensity.”

And if called upon, Amelia is clear about the impact she wants to make.

“I hope to contribute as much as I can, whether it is creating chances, finishing, or helping the team in any way,” she said.

“I want to be more direct and effective, especially in the final third where we need goals.”