Written and Photographed by: Shawn Lim

They are used to entertaining fans on the pitch with their football skills, but on Saturday night, Warriors FC players laid aside their boots and showed off different skills – Volunteerism and Dancing.

Warriors, affectionately known as the Rhinos, were invited to attend Yio Chu Kang CC’s Malay Cultural Night, where they took part in the festivities, which included dancing with Guest-of-Honour Dr Koh Poh Koon, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development, as well as residents.

Dr Koh, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Yio Chu Kang ward in Ang Mo Kio GRC, then lead the Warriors in giving out 50 packets of daily necessities like rice and cereal to needy families, which were donated by the club.

Warriors, together with Dr Koh, subsequently handed out Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League autographed mini balls and Warriors scarves to the CC’s Under-14 football team as well, to encourage the young boys to keep on pursuing the sport they love.

For Warriors’ Shaiful Esah, the 30-year-old explained that he has a soft spot when it comes to helping disadvantaged families and was more than happy to help out in the event.

“This is a way for us to give back to the community and not forget where we come from,” said the Singapore International footballer.

“We need to do our part as (Singapore) citizens to help the needy families. I have a soft spot for them and if there is anyone who need help, I will gladly volunteer my time to help them.

“I used to volunteer at PPIS (Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura), a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping Muslim women and I still go over to help them whenever they call me.

Shaiful also revealed that he was the one that encouraged his team to attend the event and help out when he heard about the event.

“They look like they enjoyed themselves today and they are more than happy to help out because it is very satisfying to see a smile on the families faces,” he said.