by Edward Lao, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
SITTINGBOURNE, Kent - When the Azkals lost to Kuwait in the recent World Cup Qualifiers, it marked the end of an era for some of the Philippines' current squad members.
Now, with the national team looking to rebuild, it has left the door open for other aspiring footballers to join its ranks.
In the United Kingdom, also known as the spiritual home of football, there is no shortage of enthusiasm from Pinoys.
On a hot summer afternoon in the county of Kent, the country's first amateur Pinoy team prepared for the 2011-2012 season with a friendly against their toughest opposition to date.
PFC takes on Sittingbourne
Philippine Football Club (PFC), which competes in Division One of the West Hertfordshire League, took on semi-professional outfit Sittingbourne FC at 3,000-seater stadium Bourne Park on July 11.
The players of PFC were fully focused on the game at hand, but in the back of their minds, most would admit they were also dreaming of one day representing the Philippines at national level.
Despite only being a friendly, PFC were eager to put up a challenge and test themselves against the more experienced side.
Sittingbourne FC, also known as The Brickies, was founded in 1886 and currently plies its trade in the Ryman League. This is only six tiers below the summit of English football--the Premier League.
Donning the new PFC red strip, the British Pinoys survived an early bombardment on their goal to keep the game at 0-0.
The semi-pro team moved the ball around well but struggled to break through PFC's defence until mid-way through the game when a trip in the box broke the deadlock. The penalty kick that followed was slotted away, giving Sittingbourne FC a 1-0 lead.
Sittingbourne enjoyed the majority of possession, but PFC did carve out some good chances to level the fixture. However, they weren't able to capitalize.
PFC was punished once more towards the end when a lapse in defense allowed a Sittingbourne striker to drift into their box unmarked. He was left with a close range tap-in following a cross from the left wing.
The match finished in a 2-0 defeat, but the PFC camp felt they still had many positives to take from the experience.
Event organizer Jim Hall has been training PFC's players during the off-season. He took the helm in the game against Sittingbourne.
“How could you phrase it? It's like Manchester United against Morecambe. There was such a vast difference in the level of play. We were Morecambe and they were Manchester United, but today, for 75% of the game, we looked like Manchester United and they looked like Morecambe. I think the boys can be very proud of their performance”, Hall said.
Future assets
He also believes that some of the British-Pinoys that played are even capable of eventually becoming assets to the national team.
“There's a different mentality here and I think personally these boys will do well over there. I really do. I wouldn't say the whole 16 players on view, but I'd certainly say there's about four or five, a nucleus of boys. They're all 19 to 22 years of age.
“The [Azkal] players at present, they're 28, 29. Are they still going to be fit enough for the next World Cup? I don't think so. They have to move on. Such is life”, Hall added.
ABS-CBN Europe caught up with some PFC players after the game. Striker Aaron De Rama was asked what playing for the Azkals would mean to him.
“My mum and dad are Filipinos and to represent the Philippines would be a dream come true”, he said.
Full-back Eddie Guevarra added, “We're all very good players. We just need put in the hard work and chase the dream. Nothing comes easy, we all know that”.
Dream to represent PH
PFC was inaugurated in 2009 to provide UK-based Pinoys a venue where they could play competitive football alongside each other. Its long term goal was to scout those eligible for the Azkals or local teams in the Philippines.
Club Secretary Jesse Arroyo, who also doubles up as a full-back, has been with PFC since the beginning. He explained how the club's circumstances have changed since the ousting of former PFF (Philippine Football Federation) President Jose Mari Martinez.
“Unfortunately, the team was created during Mari Martinez's rein and as we all know, he was dethroned. So, we've slowly lost connections with the PFF in the Philippines. We love football so we're going to continue playing nonetheless.
“It just solidifies the pride we have. If we were to play football, we'd be doing what we love as well as promoting the community”, said Arroyo.
Some of PFC's players have said that they're willing to fund their own trips to the Philippines if they are able to get a trial with the Azkals.
For the time being though, PFC's eyes are set on more local affairs with kick-off in the West Herts League approaching.
Last season, PFC finished fourth in Division One and narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier Division. This season, they will be aiming to go a step further. The date for the new season has yet to be confirmed.
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