Singapore Rolls Out White Carpet
by Herman Phua
UNITED fans passing through Singapore will still be able to enjoy the crowd-like atmosphere of a live match, thanks to the Singapore Whites.
The Leeds United Supporters Club's branch in Singapore has an open invitation to all Whites fans visiting the island state, to join them for its match meets.
The branch holds match meets at their 'home' pub, the Lot Stock & Barrel, whenever United's games are telecast 'live' to Singapore. The pub is conveniently located in the heart of the city, close to the country’s famous Raffles Hotel.
The branch has been building up a good membership base since it was set up three months ago and its meets are very well attended with members turning up in team colours. "The atmosphere at the meets are tremendous with lots of passionate cheering and singing which makes you feel like you’re at Elland Road," says the branch's chairman, Gregory Phua.
Interestingly, the branch's match meets have also managed to catch the attention of some Leeds fans visiting Singapore. "We've had a lot of Leeds United fans from the UK, Australia and neighbouring countries popping into the pub to watch the games," says Greg who attributes this to the publicity the Singapore Whites got from two articles published in www.lufc.com a couple of months ago.
Many of the visiting fans were thrilled to find such fervent Leeds United supporters in Singapore.
That sparked the idea to issue the 'Open Invitation'. "It's great to meet Leeds fans from other countries. And as visitors to Singapore, they are our guests and its nice if they have a place where they can enjoy a pint, watch the match live and get to know our local members," Greg says.
In fact, the Singapore branch is the only one in Asia that's officially affiliated to the main UK supporters club. That has attracted interest from United fans in the region with a few already signing up as overseas members. Like the local members, they will get a membership pack that includes the branch's specially designed T-shirt and cap.
Besides the match meets, the branch's committee are also planning other activities for its members. On Sunday, it held its first football session so that members could bring their families for a casual kick-about and to make new friends. The committee is also hoping to organise a trip to Elland Road next year.
The branch now has a website, www.luscs.org, which provides information on its membership, committee, events and articles about its members. United fans travelling to Singapore are advised to check the website for details of the branch's upcoming meets and the location of the Lot, Stock & Barrel pub.
This article first appeared in the Official Leeds United Football Club website on 15th November 2001
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