At 17, Irsalina binte Irwan has found her place among the Lionesses in Singapore’s national women’s football team. Having joined the ranks at 15, she became the youngest and smallest on the team, aspiring to follow in the footsteps of seniors like Danelle Tan. Playing as a left-back, she was handpicked in 2023 to train at IMG Academy in Florida, U.S., on an Unleash The Roar! (UTR!) scholarship. Within a year, she emerged champion in the State Cup and debuted in Singapore’s senior national team at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. However, her promising career faced a setback when she tore her ACL during a friendly match on July 3, 2024.
Background
Irsalina’s journey in football began at nine when she watched her father coach her brothers at West Coast Park. By ten, she was enrolled in ActiveSG Academy, where she honed her skills until she was called up to join the youth national team at 12. Her aggressive playing style and tactical discipline quickly earned her a spot in the women’s national team. In 2023, she was awarded the UTR! scholarship, allowing her to train at IMG Academy, a crucial step for athletes aiming to go professional.
Forced timeout
Speaking to Fathership, Irsalina shared that her ACL injury could potentially end her career before it even begins. Her father, Irwan bin Isnin, had suffered the same injury, which ended his football journey. Despite the daunting recovery period of up to a year, Irsalina remains hopeful. “An ACL tear is something that could end a career before it even begins,” she says. Her father’s experience and her own resilience give her hope that she will recover and return to the field.
When you’re on the field but also on the sidelines
Soft-spoken and shy, Irsalina admits she isn’t one to stand out in a crowd. “I’m definitely one of the smallest in the team now,” she says. Despite her size, her fiery spirit and aggressive playing style make her a crucial part of the team. “My role is just as important in creating openings for others to score. I take pride in being a crucial part of the team’s success, even if it’s not as flashy as scoring goals,” she states. Her father adds, “She’s small, but she packs a punch.”
Taking her shot
Irsalina’s defining moment came during the 2019 UEFA under-15 youth national tournament, where she was crowned MVP. She describes discovering football as “finding herself.” Her father, excited to have another footballer in the family, enrolled her and her brothers in ActiveSG Academy. By 12, she was already balancing her natural aggressiveness with tactical thinking and technical discipline, leading to her recruitment into the women’s national team.
“A lonely path for me”
Football runs in Irsalina’s family, with her brothers also actively involved in the sport. However, her journey has been uniquely challenging. As one of the first batch of promising footballers awarded the UTR! scholarship, she trains at IMG Academy, far from home. “I get homesick every day,” she confesses, noting the 12-hour time difference and her packed schedule. Despite the loneliness, her family’s support keeps her going.
The end goal
Irwan has been a constant support in Irsalina’s football journey, advising her to let the game flow and not strive to be the best in everything. “Some things that are part of my football journey are just out of my hands,” she acknowledges. Despite her injury, Irsalina envisions a bright future in professional football in Europe. “If you have the talent, nothing can stop you,” she asserts. The coming months will be challenging as she relearns to walk and run, but Irsalina remains optimistic. She may be out of the running for a while, but she’s determined to catch up.
