Amos-Leonard Boon Hock Chye, born on July 12, 1972, is a former professional footballer and current football coach from Singapore. Best known for his career as a goalkeeper in the Singapore S-League, Boon’s contributions to local football span across various clubs, culminating in his retirement as a player in 2011. Today, Boon is also known for his entrepreneurial ventures and his involvement in coaching, with a particular focus on youth development and women’s football.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Born in Singapore, Boon’s journey into the football world began at a young age. He was a key figure in the Singapore youth international setup and also represented the Combined Schools team. His ability as a goalkeeper was recognized early on, and it wasn’t long before he made his debut in Singapore’s top-tier football league, the S.League.

Football Career

Tanjong Pagar United (1996-1998)
Boon’s professional career began in 1996 with Tanjong Pagar United, where he made a few appearances in his first three years. During this period, he started building a name for himself as a reliable goalkeeper.

Marine Castle United (1999-2003)
After his time at Tanjong Pagar United, Boon moved to Marine Castle United, where he spent five years. During his tenure, he played in over 140 matches, establishing himself as a mainstay in the team’s lineup.

Home United (2005-2006)
In 2005, Boon had a brief but impactful stint at Home United, where he played in the AFC Cup, competing against teams like Selangor (Malaysia), Valencia FC (Maldives), and Happy Valley (Hong Kong). However, he would return to Singapore’s domestic scene after a short period.

Sengkang Punggol (2006-2008, 2009-2010)
Boon returned to Sengkang Punggol (then known as the club’s name changed in 2006), where he played for several seasons. His time at Sengkang Punggol spanned over seven years in total, and he was widely regarded as one of the league’s most experienced and consistent goalkeepers during this period.

Geylang United (2008)
In 2008, Boon made a surprising move to Geylang United, which left many fans speculating about the end of his long association with Sengkang. His move was significant, but he stayed at Geylang for just one season.

Woodlands Wellington (2011)
Boon ended his playing career at Woodlands Wellington in 2011. After a long and successful football career, he retired at the end of that season, having made a lasting impact in the S.League.

Transition to Coaching

After retiring as a player, Boon transitioned into coaching. He took up the role of head coach at Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) in 2016, where he led both the men’s and women’s teams. His work at SCC was widely praised, especially his ability to develop young players and achieve notable success in local competitions.

In 2019, Boon was nominated for the NFL Division Two Coach of the Year award, having led SCC to a fourth-place finish in the league. His coaching achievements also included helping SCC’s men’s team secure promotion to the 2023 Singapore Football League (SFL) 1 by finishing second in the 2022 season. Under his leadership, SCC’s women’s team also earned success, winning accolades in both the SCC7’s and the SportCares Y10 League.

In 2023, Boon moved on from SCC and was appointed as the head coach of Eastern Thunder FC, a team that competes in the Women’s National League. His leadership has been crucial in the team’s development, with Eastern Thunder preparing for the 2024 season under his guidance.

Wakeboarding Career

In addition to football, Boon has made a name for himself in the sport of wakeboarding. After suffering an injury in 1999, he took up wakeboarding as part of his recovery. By 2002, he became a member of Singapore’s national wakeboarding team. His skills in the sport earned him a spot in the Asian X Games in 2004, where he reached the semi-finals.

Boon also co-founded Launch Wakeboard School and later started Launch Group, an events management company that initially focused on wakeboarding events. Over time, the company expanded to handle a variety of events, including artist management and product launches.

Personal Life and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Beyond football and wakeboarding, Boon is known for his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2006, he founded Launch Group, a company that began with wakeboarding events but grew to offer a wide range of services, including local and overseas conferences. However, in October 2022, Boon filed for bankruptcy, marking a challenging chapter in his entrepreneurial journey.

Legacy and Current Role

Amos Boon’s impact on Singapore football, both as a player and a coach, has been significant. His years in the S.League left a legacy as a dedicated goalkeeper who was always willing to give his best for his teams. Today, as a coach, he continues to shape the future of Singapore football, especially through his work with youth teams and women’s football.

With his experience, both on the field and in the coaching role, Boon’s future in football looks promising as he strives to bring success to Eastern Thunder FC and contribute to the development of local talent in the sport.

Career Highlights

Football Career:

• Sengkang Punggol: Multiple seasons as first-choice goalkeeper, contributing to the team’s defensive stability.
• AFC Cup: Played against international clubs like Selangor, Valencia FC, and Happy Valley during his stint with Home United.
• S-League Clubs: Played for Tanjong Pagar United, Marine Castle United, Home United, Sengkang Punggol, Geylang United, and Woodlands Wellington, leaving an indelible mark on Singapore’s football scene.

Coaching Career:

• Singapore Cricket Club: Led the men’s and women’s teams to notable success in local football competitions, including promotion to the 2023 SFL 1.
• Eastern Thunder FC: Head coach for the 2024 season in the Women’s National League, aiming for further success and development.

Wakeboarding Career:

• National Wakeboarding Team Member: Competed in international events, including the Asian X Games.
• Founder of Launch Wakeboard School: Co-founded a wakeboarding school and played an influential role in the local wakeboarding scene.

Amos Boon’s career spans football, coaching, wakeboarding, and entrepreneurship, making him one of Singapore’s multifaceted sports personalities. Despite facing challenges, his perseverance and passion for sports continue to inspire the next generation of athletes.