Étoile Football Club was a professional football club based in Commonwealth, Singapore which was formed to play in Singapore's S.League in 2010 and is currently a local football academy focused on grassroots football development for the underprivileged. They then made history by becoming the first foreign team to win S.league, sealing the title on a dramatic final day with a 4-2 victory over Albirex Niigata. Ètoile have won 1 league title, 1 Singapore League Cup and 1 Community Shield.
Étoile was the first team of players all born in Europe to play football in Singapore's professional league, and the first in Asia. The team was mostly made up of players of French origin. After pulling out of the S.League in 2012, Étoile was converted to Ètoile football academy based in Commonwealth, aiming to provide quality football coaching and development for individuals from all walks of life. [1]
Étoile became the first foreign team to win the S.League title following a 4–2 win over Albirex Niigata (S) at the Jurong East Stadium. On that fateful night, Kazuki Kobayashi had scored twice to give the Japanese satellite team a 2–1 lead at half time. However, goals by Frédéric Mendy (2 goals) and Matthias Verschave sealed the title win for Étoile. Frédéric Mendy went on to become the 2010 S.League top scorer with 21 goals.
Étoile was the 'brainchild' of ex-Gombak United midfielder Johan Gouttefangeas. He was the chairman of Étoile since its formation in 2010. In June 2011, Johan relinquished his position as chairman and Hicham Moudden took over.[2] In 2012, Ludovic Casset stepped up as chairman.
Grassroots football
Étoile pulled out of the S.League for the 2012 season to focus on grassroots football and youth development with the creation of Étoile Academy.[3]
Étoile Academy bases itself on three core principles: Grassroots football is football for all, play is the best means of learning – above all, youngsters should have fun and children are not just miniature adults.[4]