Philippine Football

[b3lowzro]

Basketball interest was increased by the previous YOG here but most on secondary kids chinese decent, thats why a bit of bad news to us because they also want to use basketball courts. But even there interest is there Pinoy kids still way ahead in terms of skills and barako training that we have in Philippines most especially that gambling here is strictly prohibited so zero coke litro pustahan game anywhere. But also PHL must not sleep and be complacent, basketball programs must continue on our country so we will continue dominate our SE region.

Indeed, with the recent turn of events in the ABL, we might see a more determined and tougher ASEAN rivals.

Why do more ethnic Chinese in Singapore and in Malaysia play Basketball over Football, Their U18 SEABA teams in the recent we're quite full of Chinese kids over Malays or even Indians.

I do hope more pinoy footies get invited to play in ISL rather than IPL, I do support that there should be reforms in PSSI, yet we are just mere observers in their domestic issue.

[RFM]

Mostly chinese decent are into basketball due to Yao Ming / Yi Jin Lian effect as aspiring to be. Some got the height but not sure if they can compete to higher level cause no such thing as UAAP/NCAA here. Malays mostly and some Indians on football due to ManU/Liverpool fanatics.

I just so much wish that PHL football also dominates SE asian region.

[dxjayrock2008]

Know your Azkals: The double life of Aly Borromeo

By MAV C. GONZALES
02/25/2011 | 11:25 AM


Aly Borromeo is a man you wouldn’t want to mess with on the field. The moment he gets the ball, you have more or less zero chance of stealing it. It may not also be a great feeling being tackled by a 6’1" 190-pound bruiser.

Off the pitch, he’s an entirely different person – a shy, mellow, chocolate-loving Aly. He even has a hard time saying no to people, for goodness’ sake.

I know it’s difficult to imagine, especially if you’ve seen him with his game face on.

Don’t piss Aly off

His teammates agree that Aly is one of the most aggressive players among the Azkals. Simon Greatwich even says that he’s already gotten quite a few bruises from Aly.

“I always want the ball and take command. I get pissed if you don’t give it to me. I mean, I know my skills, and I’m asking for it because I know I can do something for the team. And I also don’t like seeing the opponent with the ball," he says.

It was worse when he was younger, what with his raging hormones.

“There was a rumble between Kaya and Air Force about ten years ago. I was still a kid back then and I got a few blows in. That was really funny," the 27-year-old laughs at the memory.

He’s more composed and calculated now. Aside from the red card he got in Maldives two years ago, Aly hasn’t been involved in any major scuffle. Usually, he’s even the mediator trying to calm things down.

“O, ikaw na captain"

Aly has suited up for the U-19 team, La Salle Greenhills, De La Salle University, Skyline College, Kaya FC and Global Smartmatic. He has played in all positions and was actually a goalkeeper until second year high school. Nothing’s prepared him though for his accidental “bump" to captaincy in 2004.

“It’s kind of a funny story. The captain back then, Bagets Piñero, and I both went up for a corner kick to head the ball out. I accidentally broke his nose. I broke my own teammate’s nose," he retells in disbelief.

“So he gave me the armband right there and said, ‘O, ikaw na captain.’"

Aly says he’s not a strict captain as long as you give your 110 percent. Errors are acceptable only for a first time.

“On the second time, I’m probably gonna shout at them. They’re gonna get scolded. I get pissed off with slight errors where they do things without thinking, and when they try to force things," he adds.

From cubbyholes to celebrity status

When I asked Aly about his worst experience with the Azkals, he honestly replied, “Where do I start?" They were named Azkals because they never had any support in the first place. Strays, literally.

“In previous tournaments, we would sleep in facilities that had no cushions and smelled like piss. One time, in Iloilo, we stayed in the middle of nowhere. It was really bad," he says.

Their fortune changed when they beat highly-favored Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup last year. The fame, the fans and the funds started pouring in.

“I’ve cried several times in games but this is different. On the 80th minute, the scoreboard said 2-0. I looked at Anton and we were both like, ‘Are you serious?’ After the game, I just hugged them all," he shares.

With their newfound success, the Azkals have been busy holding mall tours and endorsing different brands. The fan frenzy peaked in Bacolod.

“When we were in Bacolod, we had to use the backdoor to get out of the hotel. I literally had to sprint to get to the bus. We don’t even have time to be ourselves anymore. The fanaticism is crazy but it’s good for the sport. We’ve been waiting so long for this," Aly says.

A mellow Aly?

Aly says he’s very approachable and not aggressive at all when he’s not playing – the exact opposite of the number 11 we see on the field.

“I can’t even get mad at the help. And I have trouble saying no to people. That’s how bad it gets," he sighs (I’m surprised girls don’t take advantage of this “yes-man" attitude).

If he’s not busy playing football, this Filipino-American-Spanish is busy with his Play Station 3 or with the family business. Aside from those, chocolates and the gym are on top of his priority list.

“Honestly, if I have nothing to do, I’ll just be in the gym," he admits.

How else do you think he maintains that six-pack? So, frankly, we don’t mind if you spend hours in the gym, Aly. -- KY/OMG, GMA News

[RFM]

Know your Azkals: The double life of Aly Borromeo

By MAV C. GONZALES
02/25/2011 | 11:25 AM


Aly Borromeo is a man you wouldn’t want to mess with on the field. The moment he gets the ball, you have more or less zero chance of stealing it. It may not also be a great feeling being tackled by a 6’1" 190-pound bruiser.

Off the pitch, he’s an entirely different person – a shy, mellow, chocolate-loving Aly. He even has a hard time saying no to people, for goodness’ sake.

I know it’s difficult to imagine, especially if you’ve seen him with his game face on.

Don’t piss Aly off

His teammates agree that Aly is one of the most aggressive players among the Azkals. Simon Greatwich even says that he’s already gotten quite a few bruises from Aly.

“I always want the ball and take command. I get pissed if you don’t give it to me. I mean, I know my skills, and I’m asking for it because I know I can do something for the team. And I also don’t like seeing the opponent with the ball," he says.

It was worse when he was younger, what with his raging hormones.

“There was a rumble between Kaya and Air Force about ten years ago. I was still a kid back then and I got a few blows in. That was really funny," the 27-year-old laughs at the memory.

He’s more composed and calculated now. Aside from the red card he got in Maldives two years ago, Aly hasn’t been involved in any major scuffle. Usually, he’s even the mediator trying to calm things down.

“O, ikaw na captain"

Aly has suited up for the U-19 team, La Salle Greenhills, De La Salle University, Skyline College, Kaya FC and Global Smartmatic. He has played in all positions and was actually a goalkeeper until second year high school. Nothing’s prepared him though for his accidental “bump" to captaincy in 2004.

“It’s kind of a funny story. The captain back then, Bagets Piñero, and I both went up for a corner kick to head the ball out. I accidentally broke his nose. I broke my own teammate’s nose," he retells in disbelief.

“So he gave me the armband right there and said, ‘O, ikaw na captain.’"

Aly says he’s not a strict captain as long as you give your 110 percent. Errors are acceptable only for a first time.

“On the second time, I’m probably gonna shout at them. They’re gonna get scolded. I get pissed off with slight errors where they do things without thinking, and when they try to force things," he adds.

From cubbyholes to celebrity status

When I asked Aly about his worst experience with the Azkals, he honestly replied, “Where do I start?" They were named Azkals because they never had any support in the first place. Strays, literally.

“In previous tournaments, we would sleep in facilities that had no cushions and smelled like piss. One time, in Iloilo, we stayed in the middle of nowhere. It was really bad," he says.

Their fortune changed when they beat highly-favored Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup last year. The fame, the fans and the funds started pouring in.

“I’ve cried several times in games but this is different. On the 80th minute, the scoreboard said 2-0. I looked at Anton and we were both like, ‘Are you serious?’ After the game, I just hugged them all," he shares.

With their newfound success, the Azkals have been busy holding mall tours and endorsing different brands. The fan frenzy peaked in Bacolod.

“When we were in Bacolod, we had to use the backdoor to get out of the hotel. I literally had to sprint to get to the bus. We don’t even have time to be ourselves anymore. The fanaticism is crazy but it’s good for the sport. We’ve been waiting so long for this," Aly says.

A mellow Aly?

Aly says he’s very approachable and not aggressive at all when he’s not playing – the exact opposite of the number 11 we see on the field.

“I can’t even get mad at the help. And I have trouble saying no to people. That’s how bad it gets," he sighs (I’m surprised girls don’t take advantage of this “yes-man" attitude).

If he’s not busy playing football, this Filipino-American-Spanish is busy with his Play Station 3 or with the family business. Aside from those, chocolates and the gym are on top of his priority list.

“Honestly, if I have nothing to do, I’ll just be in the gym," he admits.

How else do you think he maintains that six-pack? So, frankly, we don’t mind if you spend hours in the gym, Aly. -- KY/OMG, GMA News

Wow, really inspiring story..from scratching to maintain existence to where they are now.
Hope this story will be highlighted to all newspaper in the country to serve as an inspiration to our aspiring youths that hard work really can work always and not just be waiting for any golden spoon to appear.

[dxjayrock2008]

From inquirer.net

Finally, nat’l booters to get own pitch

Cedelf P. Tupas

First Posted 04:19:59 26/02/2011




MANILA---The National football team’s dream to play in its own pitch will soon become a reality.


The Philippine Football Federation has come to terms with charismatic El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, who is donating 1.5 hectares of his prime property in Parañaque for the construction of an artificial pitch that will serve as the Azkals’ official training ground.


PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the memorandum of agreement for the donation of the lot has already been signed and will be sent to the International Football Federation (Fifa), which will then discuss the project in its meeting on Feb. 28.


If the Goal Project 2 for the Philippines is approved next week by Fifa, the pitch will be ready in six months, Araneta said.


Velarde’s donation comes as another boost for the PFF, which has drawn more corporate support following the Azkals’ impressive run to the semifinals of last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup.


Araneta said Velarde plans to donate three more hectares if the joint venture for the construction of the grandstand pushes through.


“This is a welcome development for us,” said Araneta, a former national player himself. “We are very thankful to Bro. Mike for his help to Philippine football. This will definitely help improve our national teams, which have been homeless for quite some time.”

[paolylo]

Finally, nat’l booters to get own pitch

Cedelf P. Tupas

First Posted 04:19:59 26/02/2011




MANILA---The National football team’s dream to play in its own pitch will soon become a reality.


The Philippine Football Federation has come to terms with charismatic El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, who is donating 1.5 hectares of his prime property in Parañaque for the construction of an artificial pitch that will serve as the Azkals’ official training ground.


PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the memorandum of agreement for the donation of the lot has already been signed and will be sent to the International Football Federation (Fifa), which will then discuss the project in its meeting on Feb. 28.


If the Goal Project 2 for the Philippines is approved next week by Fifa, the pitch will be ready in six months, Araneta said.


Velarde’s donation comes as another boost for the PFF, which has drawn more corporate support following the Azkals’ impressive run to the semifinals of last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup.


Araneta said Velarde plans to donate three more hectares if the joint venture for the construction of the grandstand pushes through.


“This is a welcome development for us,” said Araneta, a former national player himself. “We are very thankful to Bro. Mike for his help to Philippine football. This will definitely help improve our national teams, which have been homeless for quite some time.”

^ a training pitch near the threshold of NAIA's main runway... i'm a bit worried our Azkals will be deaf from hearing jet engines taking off and landing every 2 minutes or so. but still, it's better than nothing. praise be to Brother Mike.

[montam26]

Neil Etheridge Photos from the Fullham website

Neil Etheridge photos from the Fullham FC website.
It still says he's on the second team, but recent news say he has been elevated to the first team due to recent good performances.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/PlayerProfiles/OtherSquadPlayers.aspx

Proud to be Pinoy!

[interxavierxxx]

Having watched Neil Etheridge defend the goal, I'm not surprised that this guy's height (6'3) is a boost to his goal keeping abilities.

I don't mean to show any animosity towards football (as I'm also a supporter) but I wonder why our so-called supporters keep mentioning that height isn't a factor here.

Height is everywhere; Handball, Volleyball, Tennis, etc. What these people are mentioning are excuses to not work hard to improve a sport we're already good at.

[dxjayrock2008]

Having watched Neil Etheridge defend the goal, I'm not surprised that this guy's height (6'3) is a boost to his goal keeping abilities.

I don't mean to show any animosity towards football (as I'm also a supporter) but I wonder why our so-called supporters keep mentioning that height isn't a factor here.

Height is everywhere; Handball, Volleyball, Tennis, etc. What these people are mentioning are excuses to not work hard to improve a sport we're already good at.

As I posted before, in certain positions in football like defender and goalkeeper, it really needs height. Only the losers are keep on mentioning that football doesn't need height. Lol.

[dxjayrock2008]

PFF National C’ship set next month

Cebu Daily News
First Posted 12:27:00 02/26/2011

WASTING no time in the development of football in the country, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has announced the holding of the Men's U23 and U19 National Championships as early as next month.

According to a memorandum, these events are aimed at reviving the national local competitions as well as help in the talent identification for the men's U23 and U19 national teams, which will be seeing action in international competitions later this year.

The men's U23 national finals will be held from May 6 to 15 while the men's U19 national finals will be held from May 20 to 29.

Before the U23 national finals, group stage eliminations, otherwise known as cluster qualifying rounds, will be held from March 21 to 31 with the winners advancing to the regional qualifying round to be held from April 11 to 23. The top two teams will then advance to the national finals.

The U19 will also hold its cluster qualifying rounds from March 21 to 31, also with the winners advancing to the regional qualifying round to be held from April 25 to 19 with the top two teams advancing to the national finals.

The tournament is open to all regular member association (MA) of the PFF.

Luzon football associations (FAs) in the group stage eliminations will be clustered under North, Central and South Luzon; Southeast Luzon, North Mindanao, South Mindanao, Central Mindanao and West Mindanao.

This is done because a PFF MA will only be allowed to field one team.

The National Capital Region (NCR) and the Visayas both automatically qualify for the regional finals.

Cebu Football Association (CFA) president Richard Montayre, who also heads the PFF grassroots and youth development committee, said this is so because the NCR is considered as one region while the Visayas only has five FAs—Negros Oriental Football Association (NORFA), Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA), CFA, Leyte Football Association (LFA) and the Iloilo Football Association (IFA).

They will be joined by all Luzon winners and all Mindanao winners in the regional finals.

It will be up to NCR and Visayas FAs on how they will select their teams.

As for the CFA, Montayre said its U23 team will be manned by a selection from the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI). For its U19 team, coaches will still meet and decide whether to hold tryouts or elimination matches.

Meanwhile, the CFA through PFF also sent out invitations to the other FAs to participate in the 1st DRB Football Jamboree to be held from April 2 to 3 at the Aboitiz Sportsfield in Cebu City.

Aside from the U23 and U19 national championships, PFF also announced the holding of the “PFF Smart National Club Championships,” which is aimed at reviving the national local club competitions in the Philippines. This will also serve as talent identification for national football teams. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON

[dxjayrock2008]

From sugod.com

Global Smartmatic look to secure top spot


Last Sunday, Global Smartmatic defeated pre-match league leaders Kaya FC. Goals from in-form forward Misagh Bahadoran and last season’s top goalscorer Izzeldin El-Habbib helped get the vital three points for Global and grab the top spot with a game in hand advantage.

On Thursday, Global will play against Green Archers United at the University of Makati Football Field. Green Archer’s team captain Patrick “Pat” Bacobo needed to use a his leadership and experience over his younger team mates for them to put up a good fight against their formidable foes. Despite starting starting the season low, the Green Archers managed to silence the firepower of Kaya in their previous match where they end up on the losing end.

Global Smartmatic needed to win this match to secure a healthy position in the First Division of the United Football League. A goalless draw or a loss would give Air Force Rider a chance to take top spot on Sunday in another mouthwatering battle of the Champions.

The match between goal thirsty Green Archers Orient Freight and Cup champions Global Smartmatic will be held at the University of Makati Football Field at 8:00 PM on March 2, 2011.

[ultimate_baller24]

PFF hosts first national club championship in five years
by rick olivares

The Smart National Clubs Championship gets underway this March when teams from all over the archipelago compete for eight slots to vie for the national title.

In an interview with Philippine Football Federation Competitions Department Head Cyril Dofitas at the Balducci Ristorante and Deli at the Serendra in Bonifacio Global City last week, the competition, he said, “revives a national tournament that we have not had in a while.” The last nationwide competition was a National Men’s Open Tournament held in Bacolod five years ago when under the presidency of Juan Miguel Romualdez. There were plans for a similar national competition under PFF president Jose Mari Martinez who succeeded Romualdez but they did not push through for a variety of reasons.

Added Dofitas, “We can thank the new federation leadership and the great support football is now getting now just from Filipinos but other countries from all over the world.”

The tournament, sponsored by telecommunications giant Smart, will kick off with the Provincial Qualifying Rounds this March as Member Associations (MAs) organize their own tournaments to determine their representative to the Group Stages.

The single-round robin competition takes place from April 1-16 when football associations battle it out in Cluster Qualifying Rounds. One club will represent each MA only.

North, south and central Luzon: Baguio City, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, and Tarlac.

Southeast Luzon: Camarines Norte, Naga City-Camarines Sur, Legazpi City-Albay, Masbate and Oriental Mindoro.

North Mindanao: Butuan-Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, Iligan-Lanao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental and Surigao del Norte.

South Mindanao: Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley, Davao, and Davao del Norte.

Central Mindanao: Maguindanao-Cotobato City, North Cotobato, South Cotobato, and Sultan Kudarat.

West Mindanao: Misamis Oriental-Ozamiz, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog, and Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian.

Then from April 1-30, clubs from the Visayas region (Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental) and the National Capital Region will compete immediately in the Regional Qualifying Rounds while waiting for the winners of the Luzon and Mindanao clusters.

Said NCRFA President Atty. Rolly Tulay, “Because of the little time we have (given the national tournament schedule), we will begin our competition as soon as the college football season ends.”

The top four teams from the Luzon Cluster Qualifying Round, the top team from each of the Mindanao group clusters, and the top two club teams from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao winners will advance to the finals which will be played in Manila from June 6-25.

“Right now we are looking to hold the finals in either the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium or the University of Makati,” clarified Dofitas.

Clubs may line up to five foreign players but only four can play on the field at any given time.

[ultimate_baller24]

Philippines to host the Suzuki Cup?
By rick olivares

With the successful staging of the home match by the Philippines in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Bacolod last February against visiting Mongolia, it is possible that the suddenly football-mad country may yet get an opportunity to host an even bigger tournament.

In a fax letter to Philippine Football Federation Mariano V. Araneta last February 23, Ian Mathie, Vice President of World Sports Group, the organization behind the Asean Football Federation Championship said, “We are very much in favor of the Philippines hosting the 2012 or 2014 versions of the Suzuki Cup should you qualify or be selected.”

During an interview with Araneta, the PFF President said, “Hosting will not only be an honor but it will show the world that we have arrived as a footballing nation. With solid crowd support, who knows what our national team can achieve?”

But Mathie, in that same letter, mentioned that there are strict criteria that should be followed for any potential host country. “Not only is (the Suzuki Cup) it Southeast Asia’s premier football event, it is also the standard bearer for all sporting events in the region.”

Added Mathie, “We are willing to assist the PFF in identifying a suitable stadium that will undoubtedly require upgrades and renovations to meet the aforementioned criteria.”

The PFF is currently looking at utilizing the property in Tambo, Parañaque donated by El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde as a new training facility and possibly the site of a world-class football stadium. The 4.5-hectare area will be leased for 25 years to the PFF. “It is a very generous offer considering it is rent free,” said Araneta. “Things are really looking up for Philippine football.”

[kikomatsing]

Philippines to host the Suzuki Cup?
By rick olivares

With the successful staging of the home match by the Philippines in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Bacolod last February against visiting Mongolia, it is possible that the suddenly football-mad country may yet get an opportunity to host an even bigger tournament.

In a fax letter to Philippine Football Federation Mariano V. Araneta last February 23, Ian Mathie, Vice President of World Sports Group, the organization behind the Asean Football Federation Championship said, “We are very much in favor of the Philippines hosting the 2012 or 2014 versions of the Suzuki Cup should you qualify or be selected.”

During an interview with Araneta, the PFF President said, “Hosting will not only be an honor but it will show the world that we have arrived as a footballing nation. With solid crowd support, who knows what our national team can achieve?”

But Mathie, in that same letter, mentioned that there are strict criteria that should be followed for any potential host country. “Not only is (the Suzuki Cup) it Southeast Asia’s premier football event, it is also the standard bearer for all sporting events in the region.”

Added Mathie, “We are willing to assist the PFF in identifying a suitable stadium that will undoubtedly require upgrades and renovations to meet the aforementioned criteria.”

The PFF is currently looking at utilizing the property in Tambo, Parañaque donated by El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde as a new training facility and possibly the site of a world-class football stadium. The 4.5-hectare area will be leased for 25 years to the PFF. “It is a very generous offer considering it is rent free,” said Araneta. “Things are really looking up for Philippine football.”

Thanks MikeV!..
Hail El Shaddai!....

[sergio23]

As I posted before, in certain positions in football like defender and goalkeeper, it really needs height. Only the losers are keep on mentioning that football doesn't need height. Lol.

I'll take note of that, so I could slap this statement to those posters who keep on saying that football doesn't need Height