Wikipedia - Admiralty FC
Admiralty Football Club, also commonly known as Admiralty FC, is a football club which plays in the Division 2 of the Singapore Football League, the third tier of football in Singapore.
The club is currently participating in FAS Island Wide League under the new name, Eastern Thunder FC.
History
Admiralty FC started in 1987 as a participant in the Sembawang Group League, a mini-league organized by the Football Association of Singapore which involved amateur clubs based in the Sembawang area in the 1980s. During its time in the Sembawang Group League, Admiralty FC often played against Delhi Juniors, which was the original name of Woodlands Wellington before it changed its name to Wellington FC in 1998.
In 1989, Admiralty FC finished as one of the top two teams in the Island-Wide League and was set to be promoted to the Division 2 of the National Football League (NFL). Its promotion was challenged by Gillman FC who seek to nullify a match between Admiralty FC and Shelford United, which Admiralty FC won 5–0. FAS rejected the challenge and Admiralty FC was successfully promoted to the SFL.
With only two years of participation, Admiralty FC was made an official football club in 1989 to compete in the SFL and it played the majority of its home games at the Yio Chu Kang stadium.
Nasiruddin Sawardi and Fahmie Abdullah were two other ex-Singapore internationals who featured for Admiralty in the early nineties.
Admiralty FC came under the limelight in February 2012 when its management announced the appointment of former Woodlands Wellington team manager and Tampines Rovers Director of Operations R. Vengadasalam as their team manager. It also made waves in the local footballing fraternity when it announced that it was interested in joining the S.League in 2013.
Following the arrival of Venga, Admiralty swooped for veteran midfielder and ex-Singapore international Mohd Noor Ali to become the team's player-coach. In preparation for the 2012 NFL Division 2 season, Venga also orchestrated the moves for several well-known former S.League players such as Azhar Baksin, Tan Sio Beng and Shariff Abdul Samat, as well as Jean-Charles Blanpin and Nordine Talhi from Etoile FC following the Stars' decision to pull out from the 2012 S.League.
On 30 June 2012, Admiralty FC were crowned champions of the NFL Division 2 2012 season when they beat Jollilads Arsenal FC by a 5–1 scoreline. The victory was also the 12th consecutive win for the Wolves, preserving an unbeaten run for the club since the start of the 2012 NFL Division 2 season.
Admiralty made history by becoming the first NFL club to qualify for the League Cup after beating Singapore Recreation Club in the League Cup Playoff Final on 12 May 2013.
In 2019, the club was relegated from NFL Division 2 to the Island Wide League (IWL) after finishing 3rd in the bottom tier (11th overall). However, they did not participate in the 2022 IWL when the league returned after the coronavirus pandemic.
Admiralty FC officially changed their name to Eastern Thunder Football Club (Eastern Thunder FC) with effect from 22 January 2024. The club returned to Island Wide League under the new name for the 2024 season. They topped their group and reached the Semi-finals.
Admiralty FC is an ambitious and dynamic soccer team based in the heart of Singapore, dedicated to fostering talent and promoting the beautiful game within the community. Established with a vision to inspire young athletes, the club has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch.
**Club Philosophy:**
At Admiralty FC, we believe in the power of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Our philosophy centers around developing not just skilled players, but well-rounded individuals who embody the values of respect, integrity, and perseverance. We strive to create a nurturing environment where players can grow, learn, and thrive.
**Youth Development:**
Admiralty FC places a strong emphasis on youth development, offering training programs for aspiring soccer players of all ages. Our experienced coaching staff is dedicated to honing the skills of young talents, providing them with the tools they need to succeed at higher levels of competition. Through regular training sessions, workshops, and competitive matches, we aim to cultivate the next generation of soccer stars.
**Community Engagement:**
As a club deeply rooted in the local community, Admiralty FC actively engages with residents through outreach programs, soccer clinics, and community events. We believe in giving back and fostering a love for the sport among all members of the community, regardless of age or skill level.
**Competitive Spirit:**
Admiralty FC competes in various local leagues and tournaments, showcasing our players' talents and determination. With a focus on teamwork and strategic play, the team is known for its competitive spirit and resilience on the field. Our goal is to consistently challenge ourselves and strive for success, while also promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
**Vision for the Future:**
Looking ahead, Admiralty FC aims to establish itself as a prominent name in Singapore soccer, with aspirations to compete at higher levels and contribute to the growth of the sport in the region. We are committed to building a legacy of excellence, inspiring future generations, and making a lasting impact in the world of soccer.
Join us on our journey as we continue to grow, compete, and make a difference in the beautiful game!