Kids from Marawi, Metro streets and Batangas lakeshore towns benefit from YKK-Real Madrid Foundation football clinics

The two-day YKK Asia Group Kids Football Clinic came to a close last Sunday with 300 underprivileged kids getting the rare opportunity to learn football the Real Madrid way at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City.

Two kids from previously war-torn Marawi City were among those who experienced the world-class football training from coaches of the most multi-titled La Liga team in history with 33 Championship titles to its name. Children from Gawad Kalinga communities were first to undergo the clinics on Saturday, followed by children from lakeshore communities in Batangas on Sunday morning. Homeless children who live and sleep on streets and places like Luneta and the Caloocan Monumento who were cared for by Child Hope Asia Philippines had their own exhilarating football experience in the afternoon.

Mohammed Faried Anganto and Alintor Bangote were brought by their coach, Espiridion Paran under the auspices of Gawad Kalinga. “Football was one way for the kids to cope and transcend the experience of the past,” said their coach. “It was special for them to experience the YKK Football Clinic conducted by Real Madrid coaches because they learned new skills and trained with professional football gear. They’re used to playing with makeshift equipment, using tennis balls and playing barefoot,” he added.

Agustin Villarama, AVP for Marketing, YKK Philippines was elated about the outcome of the clinics, the second time that YKK Asia Holdings PTE LTD and YKK Philippines have brought the Real Madrid Foundation coaches to the Philippines to teach football to underprivileged kids.   

"After two days of clinics, we are happy to see that the kids are happy. We can see that these camps will produce positive effects for them in the future. Sports is a good tool to give a chance for these less fortunate kids," said Villarama.

Real Madrid Foundation coaches Pablo Gomez Revenga, Santiago Sanchez Martin and Hector Vicente were assisted by 30 local coaches who shared and demonstrated world-class training methodologies and training techniques throughout the sessions.

The Real Madrid Foundation coaches also promoted values through sports and education, teaching the kids about commitment, responsibility and teamwork, all while having fun.

"The coaches were very passionate about the country and about the kids that they taught football to. They also enjoyed themselves throughout. That’s how much they love football,” Villarama added.

All participants in the kids clinic received a full set of YKK/Real Madrid Foundation football kits, which include football boots, cap and socks. Everyone received a certificate at the end of the session. The Most Valuable Participants in the morning and afternoon sessions received Real Madrid t-shirts and bags.

YKK Brings Back Real Madrid Coaches to Teach Football to Filipino Kids, Coaches

L-R: Agustin Villarama, AVP for Marketing, YKK Philippines; Alson Ng, Regional Marketing Manager, YKK Holdings Asia PTE LTD, RFM Coach Pablo Revenga,  Tadashi Koshio, President, YKK Philippines, Inc.; Atty. Edwin B. Gastanes, Gen. Sec. Philippines Football Federation; RFM Coaches Hector Vicente and Santiago Sanchez Martin.

MULTI-TITLED Spanish football club Real Madrid together with YKK Holding Asia PTE. Ltd. (YHA) and YKK Philippines, Inc. pays it forward to young Filipino football players as the YKK Asia Group Kids Football Clinic kicks off today at the McKinley Hill Stadium.

Real Madrid Foundation coaches Pablo Gomez Revenga, Santiago Sanchez Martin and Hector Vicente trained 30 local football coaches immediately after the Press Conference held at Shangri-La at the Fort on June 22 to prepare for a two-day clinic for kids aged 8-15 on June 23 and 24. The Real Madrid coaches from the most multi-titled La Liga team in history with 33 Championship titles to its name, shared and demonstrated world-class training methodologies and training techniques to the local coaches, who will in turn assist the Spanish coaches in the Saturday and Sunday kids clinics.

300 underprivileged children from three NGOs – Child Hope Asia, Gawad Kalinga and a community in Batangas -- will learn football over two days of fun and interactive training sessions from the three RMF coaches who will also share footballing tips, techniques and basic fundamentals with the young athletes. The clinics have morning (8:30 a.m.) and afternoon (1:30 p.m.) sessions at the McKinley Hill Stadium.

The YKK football clinic was first held in the Philippines in 2012, and this second installment once again gives more local kids and coaches an avenue to experience world-class football from the international coaches.

"Our objective is to give the underprivileged the chance to be part of this football clinic. YKK's presence in the Philippines dates back since 1978, and our growth and success during these 40 years owes a great deal to the local society which our customers and employees also form part of. It is a great opportunity and pleasure for us to give back and help create the initial spark of encouragement for children who do not normally experience big name events due to its exclusivity. This time, it’s their turn to experience greatness," said President of YKK Philippines, Inc., Mr Tadashi Koshio.

The clinics draw on YKK’s corporate philosophy of the “Cycle of Goodness”, which states that “No one prospers without rendering benefit to others,” said Mr. Kosuke Miimi, YHA President. “AKFC is an integral program that not only values children, but the community as well. This event gives opportunities to those who normally have lesser chances at sports and brings the community together to celebrate the love of football. We believe that football is a common language that everyone can enjoy regardless of culture, nationality or religion.”

"We hope this clinic will develop more players and inspire other players," said Philippine Football Federation General Secretary Ed Gastanes during yesterday's press conference at the Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig City. “We are always pleased that the Real Madrid Foundation is bringing their style of play and style of coaching here. We are happy that YKK Asia Group and YKK Philippines have partnered with Real Madrid Foundation for another meaningful and significant clinic," he added.

"Watching local coaches and children engage and participate in a sport which knows no language or social barriers is the ultimate reward," added Revenga, who is Real Madrid Foundation's technical management clinics and international technical schools director.

Each participant in the clinic receives a full set of YKK/Real Madrid Foundation football jersey kit which includes football boots, a cap, socks, and a certificate of participation. Other sporting equipment such as footballs, sports bibs and training cones will also be provided by YKK over the three-day event. Furthermore, YKK will donate all footballs and training equipment after the event to the invited NGO.

‘BUSINESS OF FOOTBALL - PHILIPPINES’ CONFERENCE SETS ROADMAP FOR GROWTH OF THE SPORT IN THE COUNTRY

The recent success of The Azkals, with their Asian Cup qualification, and their FIFA ranking at its highest at 111, has given football a renewed confidence, and a positive outlook in terms of the growth of the sport in the Philippines.

Football is now tipped to become the fastest growing sport in the country, with the largest potential for success commercially, and in terms of on-pitch success.  The sport which is currently number 3 in the Philippines in terms of popularity and participation, after basketball and boxing, is said to be still further behind compared to other sports, such as volleyball, billiards, etc., in terms of TV coverage.

These were among the insights and trends gathered from top-notch executives of organizations such as AFC, PFF, PFL, LaLiga, Dentsu X, SMG Insight, Globe Telecom, RSportz, Toby Sports and Manila Times, at the ‘Business of Football - Philippines’, organized by MMC Sportz.  The sold-out event was attended by more than 185 local and foreign delegates on 18 May 2018 at the New World Makati Hotel.

MMC Sports CEO Eric Gottschalk says, “Research in this market, shows that TV is still the number one platform here in the Philippines, and is the number one medium that advertisers are looking for, to spend their budgets on.  We also learned that live TV coverage actually stimulates stadium attendance, and not vice versa.  If there’s more football on TV, we will see more fans in the stadium.  Currently football is not ranked among the top 100 TV programmers in the Philippines and is only number 3 sport in terms of participation and popularity after basketball and boxing.  Football needs media in order to drive commercial revenues for the clubs.”

“Now is also the perfect time to get involved in football since sponsorship and advertising opportunities are currently very affordable compared for example to basketball, but this is predicted to change within the next 6-12 months, as values are expected to increase sharply.  Football also needs to create more idols and heroes to attract more media coverage overall, other than just covering game scores. Each team has a unique story which just needs to be told,” says Gottschalk.

Following the presentation about the Philippines Football League (PFL) it was agreed that the PFL now fills the lack of regular created football content as the leagues matches (87 in 2018/19 season) contribute year-round stories to keep football in the news. In the past, the main talking points were around the Azkals which only play very few home matches each year.

Public education about the game of football is also needed on all levels as many people in the Philippines are still not aware about the rules or aware of programs available like coaching academies, amateur competitions, or how and where to follow the professional league.  Ten thousand (10,000) qualified grassroots coaches are also needed to satisfy the local demand and to trigger strong football development and growths.

Investors on the other hand are looking for consistency and credibility of the football product but with the PFL in the second season and foreign sponsors expected to invest in the Philippines, local brands should consider to follow suit.

On the sports retail side, only 1.5% of current retail sales are attributed to football, while basketball enjoys a healthy 46% market share. As a result, only limited line items and stocks are available in stores and entry level boots and replica jerseys are too high priced to be affordable for the average consumer.

The national player registration program, MY PFF, has been launched with the objective to collect vital statistics and data about the football community which is urgently needed to support the youth football development strategy of the PFF and to develop a players pathway.  As FIFA has mandated to register the estimated 1.5 million players in the Philippines, the PFF has urged organizers and players to already register online as by next month only registered players will be allowed to participate in sanctioned events.

The “Business of Football – Philippines” conference also announced 36 career opportunities related to sports and football, including positions in marketing, legal, competition management and coaching, with all these listing being available online with MMC Sportz or for direct inquiries with the PFF.

In his closing remarks, MMC Sportz CEO Eric M. Gottschalk stated that “More importantly, Don’t Break the 12th Man! It is important that all stakeholders don’t forget to engage with the fans. The fans are the most important aspect of the development of football in the Philippines – if there are no fans of football then there is no media, no spectators, no players, no games, no business. Everyone is required to ensure we keep the fans (football consumers) engaged year-long and the first step would be to get the media behind the game. There is a strong football - community out there already and hopefully, we the TV broadcasters will take another look at football and give them at least some consideration on the program schedule.

I believe today’s conference was a great success.  We brought the football community together, stimulated thinking, exchanged ideas and transferred a lot of knowledge. Now it is up to the football stakeholders to continue the progress.

From our end (and with the approval of the PFF) we will stage the 2nd edition of BOF early 2019 and hopefully we will be able to report on some of the changes initiated today.”

Speakers who shared their insights include LaLiga Managing Director for South East Asia, Japan, Korean and Australia Ivan Codina, AFC Head of MA Services Domeka Garamendi, SMG Insight Managing Director Frank Saez, Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami, Globe Director for OIC, Citizenship and Advocacy Marketing Miguel Bermundo, PFL CEO Lazarus Xavier, PFF General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes, Ignite Sports Group Managing Director Michael Reyes,  Asian Replica Designs Founder & Owner Jonathan Mallinson, Quorum Group President & COO Jose Claudio, Jr., Mediapro Asia Director of Sales and Sponsorship Salauddin Sinnakandu, and MMC Sportz Marketing CEO Eric Gottschalk.

Organized by MMC Sportz Asia, the event was sanctioned by the Asia Football Confederation (AFC) and the Philippines Football Federation (PFF), and sponsored by La Liga, Dentsu X, SMG Insight, RSportz, Globe Telecom, Toby’s Sports, Manila Times and Platinumlist.

Philippines: The Road to World Cup 2026

Manila, Philippines—- On April 2, 2018 at Cafe Lupe, Antipolo, Coach Thomas Dooley met the media  and discussed the preparations for the much awaited World Cup 2026 and organised by the Teen Azkals Foundation Incorporated in cooperation with Tag Media and Public Relations headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas.

The 23rd tournament is still almost a decade away, but plans are already in place for the first ever 48-country global competition with still no specific location or country yet mentioned under the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) which is the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

The decision on which country or countries will host the 2026 World Cup will be announced by FIFA in May 2020.

Coach Thomas Dooley together with Coach Chito Ferrer Manuel (Teen Azkals Foundation Camp Director) discussed and explained the importance of early preparations especially on how to select the Teen Azkals who will, in the future, join this prestigious competition.

According to Mr. Alvin Carranza, the President of Teen Azkals Foundation Inc , “Sports made the Filipinos United but the determination of the athletes must be in full focus as it’s not about the individual strength or not about the coach but all about the whole team. We are looking forward for the new recruits as the Azkals today will retire soon in preparation for the World Cup 2026. We need the new Teen Azkals.”

To know more about the event or to support, please contact 09778978877, 09954560892, or 09189414522. Check also www.facebook.com/teenazkals

*This is Press Release

Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami Calls for Support for Crucial Asian Cup Qualifier Match

Philippine Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami calls for support for the upcoming matches of the national team, taking place on March 22 and March 27, 2018, to be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Azkals will see action on March 22 against Fiji, for an International Friendly Match, which will serve as a tune-up game for the crucial AFC Asian Cup 2019 qualifier match on March 27, 2018.

Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami says, “This is an important match for the country, and the cards are not exactly stacked against us.  We are currently  on top of the table of Group F with 9 points.  We win or we draw, we will move forward and the country will be part of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time.” 

Palami continues, “We want the ‘12th man’ to be there in both the tune-up game and the Asian Cup qualifier match.  This sport deserves all the support it can get, as we have already gone far, since 2010, when I took over as Team Manager of Azkals.”


“We should also be proud of our national team players who are doing well internationally in their various clubs.  Such as Neil Etheridge, currently with Cardiff City, and all other previous PFL club players, who are doing well and are now playing for neighbouring Asian countries, such as Ian Ramsay, who is currently with Felda United and Misagh Bahadoran, who is with Perak FA…And maybe this is the only way that the country or the youth can see, that aspiring for an international football career is not that impossible”, says Palami.


Tajikistan is currently ranked 124th, while the Philippines is currently ranked 122nd, in its latest rankings by FIFA, while Fiji is currently ranked 168th.


Tickets for both the Azkals vs. Fiji match, and the Azkals vs. Tajikistan match are available at www.smtickets.com.




*This is Press Release

Davao Aguilas FC Stays on Point and Goes for a Win Against Kaya FC

Away team Davao Aguilas FC stayed focused and on point evening’s match against Kaya FC Makati, held in Makati City, as they went for a 1-3 win, in their favor.

Angel Guirado was the first one who went for the goal on the 26th minute, with a very good assist from Enzo Cheng.  An equalizer however took place on the 58th minute from Kaya FC Makati’s Alfred Osei. But Davao Aguilas went all out again and gained two more goals, courtesy of Australian Harrison Sawyer on the 65th minute, and Angel Guirado once more on the 74th minute.

Head Coach Marlon Maro says, “Happy and satisfied and I think it is because the players really wanted to win tonight.  The delivery and the process made us score a lot of goals tonight, and also the players responded well to each other.”

Angel Guirado, who was named Man of the Match says, “For me the team is more important because, the team worked good tonight.  I’m happy because I scored, but more importantly, the team has 3 points more and I’m also looking forward to our next season.  This boosts the confidence of the team.”

Davao Aguilas FC’s next matches will be on November 21 against JPV Marikina at 7p.m. and on November 25 at 4pm, to be held at Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS), against JPV Marikina as well.


For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial. 

*This is Press Release

Five Davao Aguilas FC Players get called up for Philippine Squad on AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Match Vs. Yemen

This will be the second time that Azkals and Yemen will face each other for the qualifiers.  Their last encounter ended in a 2-2 draw last September 5, 2017, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, which saw top Davao Aguilas FC players Phil and James Younghusband contributing 1 goal each, for the Philippine side.

The five (5) Davao Aguilas players are as follows:


    1.    DE BRUYCKER, Dylan
    2.    O’DONNELL, Nicholas
    3.    ROTA, Simone
    4.      YOUNGHUSBAND, James
    5.    YOUNGHUSBAND, Phil


This is also the second call up for 19-year old Fil-Belgian Dylan De Bruycker, who is also a key player in the U22 Philippine men’s football team.

Head Coach Marlon Maro of Davao Aguilas FC says, “The call up is a confirmation that DAFC players have quality.  As a football club, we are committed to helping Philippine football.  My best wishes to Azkals and to all DAFC players.  Make our country proud!”

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial. 

ABOUT DAVAO AGUILAS FC (DAFC):

Davao Aguilas Football Club (DAFC), was established earlier this year as a professional football club, based out of Tagum, Davao del Norte, in Mindanao.  Its mission is to help develop football in Davao and the entire region.
The coaching staff is headed by Marlon Maro, while DAFC’s Chairman is Jefferson Cheng.
The club’s lead sponsor is San Miguel Corporation (SMC).  Other club partners include Tapa King, Roadhouse Cafe, City Mall Davao and PAGGS Lounge.
Expect more from Davao Aguilas FC as they take part in Philippines Football League (PFL) this season!
For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial.

Global FC Blanks Loyola Meralco Sparks FC, 2-0

There’s no stopping two-time UFL Champion GLOBAL FC now.

Loyola Meralco Sparks FC saw a formidable opponent in GLOBAL FC last Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium as GLOBAL FC blanked Loyola FC, with a 2-0 score.

The Saturday night crowd at Rizal Memorial Stadium saw players Omid Nazari and Arthur Kouassi contributing 1 goal each in behalf of the Leyte-based team.

First goal was by Arthur Kouassi, during the 42nd minute of the first half of the match, while the 2nd goal taking place at the 2nd half of the match.

Omid Nazari, who became a marked man after his hat trick during GLOBAL FC’s UFL opening game against Pasargad FC, was named Man of the Match.

Coach Leigh Manson says,“On Thursday we will have the Ceres game, which is obviously the most challenging among the recent games we’ve had. We are not yet where we should be, but I think slowly, we are gaining momentum which is good.  I think with Ceres next week we probably have to go higher (take it a notch higher).  But when we play against each other, I think you’ll find that the teams lift themselves because there’ll be a lot of Azkals players, playing against each other, they know each other very well and nobody wants to lose that game.”

“GLOBAL FC fans are also encouraged to root for their team this Thursday, March 3.  There is nothing like a stadium full of screaming fans”, Coach Manson adds.

GLOBAL FC vs. Ceres FC takes place on March 3, Thursday, 8:30 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.


*This is Press Release

Football Fundamentals for Adults Program Now Offered at Sparta Football Academy

Whether you are a die-hard football fan who wants to get into the sport, or simply just looking for a new form of exercise, you may be interested in joining the Football Fundamentals for Adults Program at the Sparta Football Academy.

Sparta Football Academy is located inside the 10,000 square-meter Sports and Recreational Training Arena or SPARTA, along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City, and is best known for the first and only FIFA certified 1-star indoor football field in the country.

According to SPARTA's owner Amanda Fernandez, "The program was set-up so that adults can experience the beauty of the sport for the first time.  It is also meant to teach the basics of football and expand the football community in the Philippines."

"Expected results for this crash course revolve around having a very good understanding of the basic skills and rules of football, as well an appreciation for the sport", she adds.

The program will be headed by Head Coach Joel Villarino and Assistant Coach Joseph Villarino.

The program will start February 3 and will be held every Wednesday from 2-4 in the afternoon for the entire month.

About SPARTA:

SPARTA is a one-stop sports, lifestyle and wellness center built for the highly competitive athlete.  It strives to become the most influential sports facility in the Philippines through its centralised location, expert trainers and programs developed for those who aim to dominate the competition.

Apart from the Indoor Football Field and the Sparta Calisthenics Academy, users may also try Yoga, Capoiera, Karate, Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, Fluid Tactics and 360Pro.

Sparta is located at 126 Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City.

*This is Press Release

Senators Angara and Pia Cayetano Join Call to Cheer on Azkals on Sept. 8

Two senators have added fire to the growing excitement being generated by the approaching World Cup qualifying match between the Philippines and Uzbekistan on September 8 at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

In separate tweets, Senators Sonny Angara and Pia Cayetano made known their interest in the forthcoming match, with the latter calling on fans to support the Philippine national football team during games.

“Let’s support our Azkals in the World Cup qualifiers, esp in their hometown matches!” Cayetano tweeted to her 401,900 followers and attached a link to a Philippine Star article.

Angara tweeted to his over 70,000 followers “#azkals gearing up for #WorldCupQualifiers on #sept8 at the #philstadium.”

Earlier, mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Fil-Am Brandon Vera also tweeted to urge fans to support the Azkals and watch the game on September 8.

Dan Palami, Philippine Azkals team manager, expressed appreciation over the support being given by well-known personalities to the national football team.

“The Azkals need all the support not only from football fans but also from well-meaning citizens to motivate them to give their best when they face a tough Uzbeks team,” he said.

The Azkals have won their first two World Cup qualifying matches against Bahrain, 2-1, and Yemen, 2-0. They are eyeing a third win against Uzbekistan but Palami has acknowledged that the Uzbeks are a formidable opponent.

The Uzbeks are the top seed in Group H where the Philippines is bracketed but they lost to the North Koreans last June 16.

Uzbekistan ranks 75th, the highest ranked team in the group, while the Philippines is ranked 125th, its highest place in the history of the FIFA rankings.

Tickets for the Azkals vs. Uzbekistan game to be held at the Philippine Sports Stadium on September 8, 2015 are now available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.  Tickets are at P531.80 for Price Zone 1, P331.14 for Price Zone 2 and P125.40 for Price Zone 3.

Tickets for Azkals vs. Uzbekistan now available at www.ticketworld.com.ph

*Press Release