Long-term Philippine football development eyed by England's Chelsea FC

One of the most successful football clubs in the UK is reaching out to Filipino fans as England's Chelsea FC is in town to launch the Chelsea FC Soccer School in partnership with the Younghusband Football Academy. "Two years ago, we heard about the Younghusband's. I heard they were with the [Chelsea] youth team; they were with the [Chelsea]s youth academy. I couldn't find the right moment to come until I was introduced. We were talking about youth development. With their connections with Chelsea, we want them to be part of this big family," said Paul Kam of Hong Kong based firm ProEvents- Chelsea FC's organizing partner in Asia. The Blue Pitch Opportunity The Younghusband's long-standing relationship with Chelsea FC now makes it possible for one of the premier clubs in Europe to establish a long-term development program in the Philippines. The Blue Pitch program was started by Chelsea FC in 2007 to help build world class pitches all around the world. It is also a community-based program that brings Chelsea FC coaches to various communities to provide a unique football training program. The first Blue Pitch program in Asia was launched in Hong Kong in 2009, while Malaysia became part of the program last year. With Chelsea's new partnership with the Younghusband Football Academy, the Philippine Blue Pitch program may just be around the corner. Azkals friendly with Chelsea FC now a possibility Among the advantages of bringing the expertise of an established football club to the country is the opportunity to invite the team to the Philippines. The arrival of the Chelsea FC Soccer School may just lead to the team having a friendly match against the Azkals. "We've been bringing the team to many parts of Asia and obviously with this project they become part of the Chelsea Football Club. Obviously, we will consider bringing the team here," teased Kam. - AMD, GMA News