History

Edmund Optics Equatorial Football League was formerly known as The Challenge Trophy before it was renamed to Equatorial Football League.

EFL began in 2006 (The Challenge Trophy 2006) involving just five teams. In the second season, it had ten teams. At the same year, I was invited to be a member of the organising committee which I accepted enthusiastically. At the end of EFL'06, I was elected as the Chief Organiser for EFL'07.

Present

At the coronation of EFL'06 League Championship Awards Ceremony, I made a speech vowing to improve the quality of the League by inviting only reowned teams to participate. There were dozens of applicants but we turned away most after scrutinising them. Even the match officials were not spared. We hire only Fifa-qualified or Class-one referees. We also have a UK licensed, a Japan licensed and a Nigerian Fifa-qualified referees under our wing.

In our new season, several teams from more established Leagues made a switch to join us. We are also proud to announce that several former S-League players represent the teams involved. I am proud to list the teams involved in the EOEFL'07/08 Cup and League tournaments.

1) British Club (Britain)
2 ) Central Park (Singapore)
3 ) Club M (Mauritius)
4 ) Cochise Kings (Navy)
5 ) Credit Suisse (Multi-National)
6 ) FC Nippon (Japan)
7 ) Hibernians (Ireland)
8 ) J-Heat (Japan)
9 ) Kool N The Gang (Singapore)
10) Maoists (Singapore)
11 ) Shell Eastern Petroleum (Singapore)
12) Singapore Vikings (Denmark)
13 ) Sofeene (Singapore)
14 ) South Buona Vista Saints (Norway)
15) St Andrew's Society (Scotland)
16) Tampines Youngsters (Singapore)
17) Tembusu (Multi-National)
18) Titans (Singapore + former SAF & Tampines Rovers)
19) Youth All-Stars (Singapore)

I also vow to maintain to be the most economical but yet most challenging League in Singapore. The difference between the other Leagues and us is that we are doing this out of sheer passion and love for the beautiful game rather than monetary gains. The spirit of the teams involved motivates us. Beginning of 2007, I approached Mr Francis Ang, Chairman of Edmund Optics Singapore Pte Ltd, with a proposal and he was more than willing to sponsor us. His generosity is greatly appreciated. Thus, we adopted his brand and Edmund Optics Equatorial Football League (EOEFL) was born.

Future

My unsatisfying lust for football has led me on a quest to relentlessly pursue my dream of making this the No. 1 League in Singapore and even the region. I may sound arrogant because I want us to be labelled as "Niche". In fact, several popular private field operators, such as Peter Koh for instance, actually labelled us as "The Niche League".

I say this with strong convictions: The future of EOEFL is a magnificent sight to behold. It will prevail through the teams' and the Organising Committee's pure love for football. The passion of the team compels us to expose them into the limelight. Our popularity is growing fast and vast. The profession and skills of the Organising Committee and all the individual members of the Teams are more than adequate and competent to assist in the Marketing, Finance and Administration of EOEFL. We are ready for the future!

Eugene Wee
Chief Organiser
Edmund Optics Equatorial Football League 2007