‘Nuisance’, ‘Dangerous’, ‘Kids Being Kids’: Opinions Split On Football At HDB Void Decks
Just like how favelas are synonymous with Brazilian football, Singapore has void deck/ multi purpose hall (MPH) football. It is a rite of passage for most Singaporean children growing up. However, there are those who seem to have a problem with them trying to keep a fit and healthy lifestyle. A recent post made by a boomer in Complaint Singapore Facebook highlighted the dangers of MPH football.
The comments section was turned off barely an hour after being posted, it is not known whether this is done. It is possible that the comments were turned off due to the fear of netizens backlash because of the “Karen Nature” of the complaint post.
These teens from Orchid Park Secondary School were photographed playing football at the MPH which had the “No Ball Game” signage.
Many people don’t have a problem with youths playing under the void decks or MPH as long as they aren’t making too much noise and observe safety.
Source: Football in the Urban Jungle
Mr Nas, a millennial, is of the opinion that it is perfectly fine for them to play under the void deck.
“It’s okay really. We grew up playing soccer under the void deck, sign or no sign. As long as they can play safely, no issue lah. If the neighbourhood is too quiet, it’s not natural.”
Ms Z echoed the same sentiment.
“Kids will be kids. Let them play, it’s good for them. As long as they play safely and don’t become a nuisance for the residents, it’s okay. But now there’s a pavilion or MPH that allows ball games.”
However, Madam Moon, a millennial mother, is of the opinion that times have changed and these kids can be a nuisance.
Source: Youthtopia
“In our times, it was innocent and we didn’t have many facilities to play at. Nowadays, they can be a bit of a nuisance especially when they purposely kick the ball hard against the walls all the time. Don’t get me started on the noise when they scream at the top of their lungs. We have toddlers at home who are sleeping who will be disturbed by all the unnecessary noise.”
“I am not against them playing. We all were young once. But I prefer that they play at the street soccer courts. New housing estates have sports facilities for them to play at. Utilise those instead.”
Ms Irina shares similar views.
“If they play under the void decks at new housing estates, it’s a nuisance. The void decks are not as big as the ones in older housing estates. It’s a hazard for them and for residents. Even weddings cannot be held under the void decks of new housing estates due to the space constraint. Our old housing estates were different because the space is bigger so it’s okay. Now, they’re better off playing at MPH.”
Genshin, a Gen Z working adult, also agrees it’s a nuisance.
Source: Google Images
“Aiyo, students from Yishun again. It is a nuisance. These kids need to understand that noise travels upwards. There are people who are working from home or resting. Go and play at designated facilities. Football games are noisy by nature, playing under the blocks will just amplify the noise.”
A letter written to TODAY in 2013 agreed that playing football at void decks and function halls endangers lives and damages property.
The writer acknowledged that such games infuse the kampung spirit back into the heartlands but there are dangers to be considered.
“A couple of years ago, we lived at a block where we had to access the car park through a function hall. Teenagers played soccer illegally in this hall very frequently, ignoring the “No ball games” sign. On a few occasions, residents, including myself, were almost hit by a ball that was coming towards us at ferocious speed. I cannot imagine the extent of the injury sustained if one were to get hit. The residents had to make sure they had the attention of the players when accessing the car park to avoid any unnecessary mishaps.”
The writer also mentioned that when the kids are immersed in their game, they tend to be oblivious to their surroundings and this may endanger their lives.
At the end of the day, kids will be kids. Playing is how they bond with their friends. It is how they keep fit and de-stress. If they can’t find a proper space for them to expend their pent up energy, they will create it in places that’s not ideal.
The best solution is for the spaces in the heartlands designated for such ball games to be utilised instead.
Reporter’s Opinions: Void deck football is a rite of passage for Singaporean kids. We grew up playing it under the block even when the signs clearly forbade us from doing it. Why? Because it is convenient and the space is huge.
But even when we try to keep the noise level down, we end up being noisy because that is the nature of ball games. The worst were the penalty kicks that slam and bounce off the walls, leaving marks.
The question here is were the kids being a nuisance? Judging from the picture, they were probably just kicking the ball around and not playing a full game. If you were concerned that they were playing in a restricted place, isn’t it better for you to advise them?
Just because you are armed with a camera phone, is it necessary to photograph minors and post them on social media without blurring their faces? You know that is an offence. You are also violating the Children’s and Young Persons act. Privacy of minors is to be protected at all times and photos of them can only be taken with consent and used for necessary purposes.
Photographing them without their permission and posting it online does not fall into that category.
Think before you use the camera to capture anything you deem wrong.
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