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COMMENTARY

What's the future for Philippine football?


Former Azkals captain Aly Borromeo slides a quick pass to former Azkals teammate Anton del Rosario. Jason de Jong, aware of the developing play, gets ready to intercept and ball goes out harmlessly for a throw.

Welcome to the world of Philam 7s football, where legends of the game, together with up and coming youngsters, battle every Sunday at McKinley Hill Stadium on a smaller sided pitch.

Playing seven a side, with free flowing substitutions and no offsides, the 7s game promises end to end action and lots of goals — just the way Pinoys like their sports.

Founded by Anton del Rosario, it has delivered on the promise of entertaining the fans, with young and old alike taking advantage of free admission to catch the games live in Taguig.

And after the recent disappointments from the Azkals in recent months and the demise of the short-lived Philippines Football League, local football fans have been looking at the well-promoted 7s league to satisfy their football fix.

That is because the Philippine Premiere League, the newest reincarnation of the Philippine domestic football league, just postponed its start to April 27.

Rising from the ashes of the failed PFL and drawing tons of inspiration from the United Football League before, the Philippine Premiere League (PPL) aims to learn from its predecessors’ mistakes and is set to start hostilities with no less than seven teams in its maiden roster.

Only seven teams? It’s really a glass half full and half empty situation.

Ceres Negros and Kaya Iloilo and Stallions Laguna seem to be the destined to fight for the title, with the comebacking Green Archers United wanting to make an immediate impression in their return.

United Makati FC rises from the multi-titled but recently disgraced Global Cebu FC and Mendiola FC 1991 and Philippine Air Force will just need to resubmit their documentation for PFF club licensing before finally being able to formally join the league.

These are slim pickings to be honest, especially coming from the glory days of the UFL, which boasted of two divisions with promotion/relegation to boot.

The good news here is that however few the number, the Philippines will have a domestic league for players to ply their trade. Similarly as important, there will be a venue for the Philippines to send participants to the AFC competitions next year.

Unlike the overly ambitious PFL, the Philippines Premiere League will feature central venues which will significantly cut down on the team’s expenses. TV coverage has likewise been secured, an imperative to draw in sponsors and fans to the game.

After disappointment in the Suzuki Cup and the frustration in the Asian Cup, it is time, more than ever, to get behind this league, even if the delay in the start of the matches leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

Ironically, despite the issues that surround the senior men’s game, it must be noted that at youth level, the game is alive and well.

One need only to look at the parking situation in the different venues on matchday mornings to realize the vibrancy of youth football in the country.

And in some of the sidelines of the 7s Youth League for example, one could be forgiven for mistaking the under 11 group stage game for a World Cup final, given the colorful language of the parents involved.

The passion is there, and there is massive potential waiting to be tapped here. The players and parents who spend Sundays playing football could be the target customers of the Philippine Premiere League, which will primarily be held in Manila.

The ever-vocal parents could be supporters of the domestic clubs, cheering on their favorite team on a Saturday afternoon. Actively looking for fan engagements should be priority. Are the teams doing their share to aggressively market their teams?

It is really hoped that, for the future of Philippine football, the league succeeds.

For it to do so, steady and sure steps are required and small victories should be treasured. It is extremely important now that the league starts on April 27 as announced. Further delays will be embarrassing and will further erode the league’s credibility in the eyes of fans and sponsors. 

The Philippine football scene, while perhaps small in number, is too strong to be pushed aside. There are simply too many people who want to see it work for it not to rise up from failures.

The goal should be to finish the year without major hiccups, consolidate gains with the hope of attracting more teams, fans, and sponsors for 2020.

For the sake of Philippine football, the powers that be have to get this right.

There cannot conceivably be many more chances for another reboot. —JST, GMA News

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