CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON - Cebu Daily News
THE LITTLE Azkals left for Cagayan de Oro yesterday to take part in a series of friendly games as part of the ongoing Philippine Football Federation (PFF)-Smart Club Championships.
Their big brothers, the Azkals, are also seeing action in the competition.
Head coach Oliver Colina said seeing action in the friendly games is part of the Little Azkals’ continued training under the PFF program, which falls under the grassroots and youth development committee headed by Richard Montayre, who is also the Cebu Football Association (CFA) president.
Montayre revealed in an earlier interview that the long-term goal of the Little Azkals is the U23 Qualifier for Qatar World Cup 2022.
He said they plan to keep the team together for a year to bolster its sustainability. The team is comprised of players from Cebu, National Capital Region (NCR), Cagayan de Oro, Davao City , Dumaguete City , and Dipolog.
Whenever possible pending school obligations, the Little Azkals will gather in Cebu for training for the whole year. This has been agreed between Montayre, Colina and the parents of the Little Azkals.
Because of its accessibility, it was decided to make Cebu as the training ground.
The Little Azkals had one international stint via the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13 Festival of Football in Sabah Malaysia last June, wherein they won three games, had three draws and four losses.
They also played in the recently held 2011 Treadtel Cup, where they finished runner-up in the boys-14 category after losing to the Don Bosco Technology Center.
Showing posts with label little azkals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label little azkals. Show all posts
Saturday, August 13, 2011
British-Pinoys dream of joining the Azkals
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.
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.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Little Azkals rout Cambodia, 4-0
By Mars Alison (Cebu Daily News) - INQ
The Philippine Under-13 team tagged the Little Azkals added another win to their tally in yesterday’s resumption of matches of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13 Festival of Football in Malaysia.
The Little Azkals once again shutout Cambodia, 4-0, yesterday morning with its first goal scored just three minutes into the match courtesy of Jeremiah Borlongan of the Cagayan de Oro Misamis oriental Football Association.
The Filipino booters continued their attack with Davao’s Darios Jed Diamante adding a goal in the 15th minute of the game. Springdale’s Lorenzo Ceniza completed a hat-trick for the Little Azkals 11 minutes before the second half.
The Little Azkals did not let up in the second half and wrapped up the match with another goal courtesy of Javier Romero Salas of Davao in the 46th minute.
Head coach Oliver Colina attributed the win to the fact that team has now adjusted and is starting to pick up their game. However, Colina said the Little Azkals have not yet shown their full potential.
He said this might be because the team is not comfortable playing under the scorching heat of the sun. It was a different story in the afternoon, as the Little Azkals match against Singapore was abandoned with the score pegged at 0-all due to heavy rain and lightning.
All coaches are having a meeting as of presstime to decide on whether or not to continue the match.
Today, the Philippines will go up against Malaysia in the morning and Laos in the afternoon.
The Philippine Under-13 team tagged the Little Azkals added another win to their tally in yesterday’s resumption of matches of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13 Festival of Football in Malaysia.
The Little Azkals once again shutout Cambodia, 4-0, yesterday morning with its first goal scored just three minutes into the match courtesy of Jeremiah Borlongan of the Cagayan de Oro Misamis oriental Football Association.
The Filipino booters continued their attack with Davao’s Darios Jed Diamante adding a goal in the 15th minute of the game. Springdale’s Lorenzo Ceniza completed a hat-trick for the Little Azkals 11 minutes before the second half.
The Little Azkals did not let up in the second half and wrapped up the match with another goal courtesy of Javier Romero Salas of Davao in the 46th minute.
Head coach Oliver Colina attributed the win to the fact that team has now adjusted and is starting to pick up their game. However, Colina said the Little Azkals have not yet shown their full potential.
He said this might be because the team is not comfortable playing under the scorching heat of the sun. It was a different story in the afternoon, as the Little Azkals match against Singapore was abandoned with the score pegged at 0-all due to heavy rain and lightning.
All coaches are having a meeting as of presstime to decide on whether or not to continue the match.
Today, the Philippines will go up against Malaysia in the morning and Laos in the afternoon.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Little Azkals meet big brothers in one-on-one clinic
CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON Cebu Daily News (INQ)
MEMBERS of the Philippine Under 13 (RP U13) training pool tagged as the “Little Azkals” will meet the Azkals today in a one-on-one clinic organized by the Cebu Football Association (CFA) for boys 12 under at the Aboitiz Sportsfield in Subangdaku Mandaue City.
CFA president Richard Montayre said meeting the Azkals would serve as an inspirational send-off for the Little Azkals who will leave for Malaysia on Monday for the AFC U13 Festival of Football on June 1 to 7.
Prior to their meeting with the Azkals, the Little Azkals will undergo a one-hour training. They will then give way to the participants of the free clinic which will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, Montayre said the CFA has taken over the management of the Little Azkals after DRBSports withdrew its support to the team which is undergoing a training camp at the Don Bosco Boys Home in Liloan, Cebu.
Montayre in his capacity as head of the grassroots and youth development committee of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has also assumed as the team’s manager.
The team’s training costs around P600,000 with a P150,000 subsidy from the PFF.
The team’s uniform and shoes will be provided by Mizuno as part of Mizuno’s contract with the PFF while the AFC is allocating $5,000 in airfare subsidy.
MEMBERS of the Philippine Under 13 (RP U13) training pool tagged as the “Little Azkals” will meet the Azkals today in a one-on-one clinic organized by the Cebu Football Association (CFA) for boys 12 under at the Aboitiz Sportsfield in Subangdaku Mandaue City.
CFA president Richard Montayre said meeting the Azkals would serve as an inspirational send-off for the Little Azkals who will leave for Malaysia on Monday for the AFC U13 Festival of Football on June 1 to 7.
Prior to their meeting with the Azkals, the Little Azkals will undergo a one-hour training. They will then give way to the participants of the free clinic which will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, Montayre said the CFA has taken over the management of the Little Azkals after DRBSports withdrew its support to the team which is undergoing a training camp at the Don Bosco Boys Home in Liloan, Cebu.
Montayre in his capacity as head of the grassroots and youth development committee of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has also assumed as the team’s manager.
The team’s training costs around P600,000 with a P150,000 subsidy from the PFF.
The team’s uniform and shoes will be provided by Mizuno as part of Mizuno’s contract with the PFF while the AFC is allocating $5,000 in airfare subsidy.
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