by Lewis Ambrose

Arsenal are off to Singapore for the Barclays Asia Trophy, and the Official Arsenal Singapore Supporters Club are eagerly awaiting the arrival of more Arsenal fans for the tournament.

Wednesday sees the Gunners up against a Singapore XI before facing either Everton or Stoke on Saturday as the team prepares for the new season.

The Official Arsenal Singapore Supporters Club was formed in 2006 and now has over 600 members – the head of the club, Eric Ong, can’t wait to welcome even more Arsenal fans.

“We have organised an eight-a-side tournament at Jalan Besar Stadium for the morning of 18th July. Arsenal supporters from Vietnam, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Arsenal Staff from England and our Arsenal Singapore team will all be playing,” he said.

Starting on Sunday and going on for an entire week, any Arsenal fan wearing colours will be given 10% off food and drink at the bar that the official supporters’ club convenes at throughout the season.

“Fans can go to the pub to eat, mingle, then make their way down together for the match.

“All of us gather to cheer them on TV every weekend, now is our chance to sing our songs directly to them on home turf.”

Tiong Jin Yan is vice-president at the club, having been an Arsenal fan since 1969, and talks about how much effort has gone into the club, but says it is worth it.

“A lot of work and sacrifice have gone into running this supporters club and planning the activities but this is all done for the love of Arsenal.”

Winning the Barclays Asia Trophy would be a perfect start to pre-season as Arsenal look to embark on a successful campaign.