Same thing with the other new club from the deep South: Biantan: Aguilas FC lucky to have Jefferson Cheng Monday, April 10, 2017 By JACK BIANTAN BIG JACK JEFFERSON Cheng owns the Davao Aguilas Football Club (FC) that will represent Mindanao in the Philippine Football League (PFL). The PFL will be launched on the 20th while the first match will be on the 29th. The schedule will be announced later. All matches will be televised live over the government owned station PTV 4. The Aguilas FC are very lucky to have Cheng as team owner. Not only that he has deep pockets, he has also a football heart. He has been the longtime supporter of the Philippine Under 16 and the Under 19 teams. He is also part owner of one of the Australia’s top football club Western Sydney Wanderers FC, a club that plays in Australia’s top tier the A-League. The Wanderers captured the A-League title in its first season and bagged the AFC Champions League title the following year. He is also a member of the International Goalkeepers Academy, a school for young goalkeepers run by Jim Fraser. Jim Fraser played for the Socceroos during his prime. He was in Davao with Cheng when the Aguilas was introduced to the Philippine media two weeks ago. Cheng also brought with him veteran Australian coach Gary Philips to head the coaching staff of the Aguilas. Right now the Aguilas are busy building up for the coming season. They have recruited players from all over Mindanao to inspire Mindanao kids to play the beautiful game. They are also bringing in five foreign players to beef up the team. Aside from the Aguilas, seven other clubs will join the first season of the PFL. They are the Ceres Negros FC, Global Cebu FC, JP Voltes Marikina, Kaya Makati FC, Stallions Laguna FC, and Vigan FC. The Philippine Football Federation has pegged $500,000 as franchise fee payable in five years for the clubs. Any investor from Cagayan de Oro for the 2018 season? www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/sports/2017/04/10/biantan-aguilas-fc-lucky-have-jefferson-cheng-535895
EIGHT CLUBS BATTLE IN INAUGURAL PFL SEASON Apr 22, 2017 The Philippines now has a truly national and professional football league it can call its own. What started out as a dream four years ago has become a reality with the Philippines Football League finally kicking off on May 6 with eight clubs vying in the inaugural season, marking another milestone for the Beautiful Game in the country. Global-Cebu FC, Ceres-Negros FC, Kaya FC Makati, FC Meralco Manila, Stallion Laguna FC, JPV Marikina FC, Ilocos United FC and Davao Aguilas FC are the pioneering clubs of the league that will have two rounds of home-and-away matches. “We are bringing the passion and the love for the Beautiful Game to different parts of the country with the PFL,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta at the PFL launching at Shangri-La Fort in Taguig City. “This is a dream come true for all of us involved in this project. We appreciate the time, effort and resources put in by the clubs to make the PFL possible. We’ve taken the next step for Philippine football.” The PFL was formed after close to four years of planning and organizing with a PFF task force, with the help of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the International Football Federation (Fifa). PFF general-secretary Edwin Gastanes said the federation will be working with Singapore-based international sports marketing agency Red Card Media for the league commercials. The league has also partnered with Peoples Television (PTV) for the airing of two live matches every weekend, Gastanes said. The live matches will be aired on Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. “This is truly an unprecedented endeavor,” said Gastanes. “We are looking forward to a vibrant and exciting first season ahead for the PFL.” The clubs signed their respective franchise agreements with the PFF two weeks ago, finally paving the way for kickoff. The PFL will be the basis of nomination for AFC club competitions, particularly the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup, where Global and Ceres are currently seeing action. Gastanes expressed optimism of the league’s success with the help of stakeholders of the sport and sponsors. “We pray all stakeholders- club owners, players, coaches, match officials, fans and sports media will all help to grow and nurture the league,” Gastanes added. http://pff.org.ph/2017/04/22/eight-clubs-battle-inaugural-pfl-season/
The Teams Ceres-Negros FC Home Stadium: Panaad Stadium, Bacolod, Negros Occidental Club Info: Ceres Negros started as a provincial powerhouse from Bacolod City before making its mark in the national scene. After ruling the United Football League, the club reached greater heights in 2016 when they became the first of two Philippine clubs to qualify for the AFC Cup knockout stages. Captain: Carli de Murga Coach: Risto Vidakovic Awards and Honors: UFL Champions (2015) UFL Second Division Champions (2014) PFF National Club Champions (2012-13, 2013-14) AFC Cup Knockout Stage (2016) Davao Aguilas FC Home Stadium: Davao del Norte Sports Complex, Tagum City, Davao del Norte Club Info: Davao Aguilas is the only Mindanao-based club to see action in the Philippines Football League. Although still in its first season as a club, DAFC is determined to contend in the PFL, while giving players from Mindanao the opportunity to play for the club at the highest level. Coach: Gary Phillips Global-Cebu FC Home Stadium: Abellana Sports Complex/University of San Carlos, Cebu City Club Info: Founded in 2000, Global Cebu has elevated itself to one of the country’s elite clubs in its short history, following its success in the United Football League. Global is the first Filipino club to participate in AFC club competitions first in the AFC President’s cup in 2013 then the AFC Cup in 2015. Captain: Misagh Bahadoran Coach: Toshiaki Imai Awards and Honors: UFL League Champions (2012, 2014, 2016) UFL Cup Champions (2011, 2016) AFC Cup (2015, 2017) AFC Presidents Cup (2013) PFF National Club Champions (2011) Ilocos United FC Home Stadium: Quirino Stadium, Bantay, Ilocos Sur Club Info: One of the two newly-formed clubs for the PFL, Ilocos United sees itself not only as a football club, but as a vehicle to promote the province as a sports tourism hub. Captain: Anton del Rosario Coach: Ian Gillian JPV Marikina FC Home Stadium: Marikina Sports Complex Club Info: Originally a club composed of primarily Japanese players, JPV Marikina has evolved into a formidable squad with an impressive roster of homegrown players. The club partnered with Marikina for the PFL, bringing the league to the Marikina Sports Complex, which hosted the 2005 Southeast Asian Games women’s football competition. Captain: Takashi Odawara Coach: Dan Padernal Kaya FC – Makati Home Stadium: University of Makati Stadium, Makati City Club Info: One of the oldest Clubs in the country, Kaya’s name is derived from the Filipino word that means “we can”. Kaya achieved its biggest triumph in 2015 when it bagged the UFL Cup to clinch a spot in the AFC Cup a year later. Captain: Aly Borromeo Coach: Chris Greatwich Awards and Honors: UFL Cup Champion (2015) AFC Cup Knockout Stage (2016) FC Meralco Manila Home Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila Club Info: Manila Meralco traces its roots from Ateneo de Manila University where its pioneering members played during their varsity years. The club went a massive change in 2011 with the acquisition of national team players Phil and James Younghusband catapulting Meralco into a contender that led to stints in the Singapore Cup. Captain: James Younghusband Coach: Aris Caslib Awards and Honors: UFL Cup Champion (2013) PFF National Club Champions (2015) Singapore Cup Semifinalist (2012) Stallion-Laguna FC Home Stadium: Biñan Football Stadium, Biñan, Laguna Club Info: Originally from Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, Stallion moved to Biñan, Laguna to establish itself as the pioneering football club from Southern Luzon. Stallion is one of the three clubs to claim an illustrious League and Cup double in the United Football League, winning the UFL Cup in 2012 and the League in 2013. Captain: Ruben Doctora Coach: Ernie Nierras Awards and Honors: UFL Cup Champion (2012) UFL League Champion (2013) http://www.foxsportsasia.com/en-ph/news/inaugural-pfl-season-draws-8-teams-luzon-visayas-mindanao/
Just wanted to clarify a difference between the PFL and other leagues in Asia. The Philippines Football League, just like its predecessor the UFL, will have a playoff system after the double round robin format regular season is over, just like Australia's A-League and the US MLS and their champion will be the winner of the playoff system and not the overall regular season leader. This is because the Philippines is used to following the American sport system structure. This applies to the other Philippine professional sports leagues in basketball and volleyball as well as in college sports. This will help in increasing the number of competitive matches most clubs plays per season in addition to regular matches. The difference between A-League/MLS and the PFL though is that the Philippines plans to implement a promotion/relegation system for their clubs, like they have in Europe as well as in other countries in Asia. They have a 3 year plan to implement this, but in the meantime they are going to start with the top tier PFL that currently has 8 teams participating this season.
In addition, all participating clubs in the PFL are required to commit to the organization and development of at least two youth teams, an under-18 and an under-15. The clubs' youth teams are required to participate in competitions organized by the Philippine Football Federation. The clubs of the PFL are required to have a certified home stadium either through ownership of the stadium or having an active contract with the owners of the stadium. Likewise, all clubs are required to have access to or own a training field and facility.
That's an interesting revelation. The PFF Women's League which already started last November is not following this "American style structure". The champion will be determined by the team with the most points after two rounds of play.
I guess the PFF didn't want to expand the regular season in its first year for the PFF Women's League especially since they had to giveway in the middle of their season in order to avoid conflict with the UAAP college women's football tournament as well as with the AFC Asian Cup Women's football qualifiers and the SEA games later this year, as many of their players participate in all this tournaments . They still might do so in the future assuming the schedule is not so congested. The UAAP Women's football tournament on the other hand has a playoff structure just like other college team sports. The PFL is an entirely professional league and does not have to share their players with college teams. They can therefore set their own schedule. BTW, any news on whether the NCAA is going to hold their own football tournaments? It will help expand the pool of players for the women's teams.
I think there is no need to expand when you already have 11 teams doing 2 rounds. That's a lot of games already. The 5 UAAP teams have their collegiate season too which means more games for them. Right now they have to fix the schedule to make sure the players won't suffer from burnout or injuries. The UAAP schedule is fine, it's just the PFF not scheduling it right. Before the PFF Women's League kicked off last November there was a long lull in women's football. They should have started the league earlier to avoid conflict with the UAAP. That's what a lot of the coaches and players are saying, because women's football in this country takes a backseat to the men's especially in terms of organizing things. Classic example is how the PFF Women's League was launched in comparison to the Philippine Football League, the latter had so much more spectacle when the women's version was just as historic if not more (since the men had UFL before anyway). As for your "American playoff structure" the women's game has had this in the form of the PFF Women's Cup. Ideally, leagues should have league format type of tournaments as well as the cup type that is knockout style. Most countries do this. If only PFF could schedule its calendar better, all this would be possible. NCAA doesn't have any field football teams that can go 90 minutes, those clubs only manage to have futsal teams.
The PFF has a lot on its table. The PFL should also have started a few months ago, but there was a lot of preparation necessary, finding out which teams can fulfill the requirements and helping them get ready, getting the sponsors on board, the stadiums ready, the tv broadcasting contract done, etc. All this takes time and effort and a lot of money. The PFL will bring football in the Philippines to a new level, allowing the development of academies in the provinces where the clubs are situated, resulting in a greater pool of players for both men and women. Basically grassroots development in this areas will result in increasing popularity for the sport nationwide. My hopeful prediction is that other cities will see the benefits the clubs bring to their provinces and cities and will clamor for their own teams in the PFL. With more teams participating, a multi-tier system will develop with promotion/relegation spicing competition every year. If this comes to fruition, football will regain its rightful place as the preeminent sport in the country like it was in the first half of the 20th century. I understand your concerns with the women's side of football, but you need to have a healthy men's league first that can attract fans and sponsors to football, before building up the women's side. As has been proven in the US, women's professional soccer just could not survive on its own without the help of men's professional clubs at this time. Even with Title IX encouraging colleges to develop women's soccer teams nationwide, and their success internationally, the women could not sustain a a viable professional league on their own. I think the PFF will continue the PFF Women's League and other initiatives for women, which is entirely dependent on funds set aside by FIFA to help develop women's football in the Philippines. It is part of the directives sent to them by FIFA and the AFC. Maybe in the future they can stand on their own, just like in Volleyball, but at this point in time, with football not being a mainstream sport over there, they will have a hard time attracting sponsors. In the meantime the student body, school alumni, as well as sympathetic senators and congressman should try to convince the NCAA decision making body and other non participating UAAP schools to form women's football teams to provide chances for more young girls to play varsity football in college. Interested students could facilitate this by forming varsity club teams that can participate in the PFF Women's League and other tournaments, to prepare for the eventuality that their school might form such teams. As for the playoff system, our sports systems and leagues first developed when the Philippines was under American rule. It is not surprising that we have adopted their system of play even to this day.
A guide to the new Philippines Football League What to expect in the maiden season of the Philippines Football League. by Earl Averilla @earlaverilla The inauguration of the nationwide league will be a historic moment for the Philippines as it gears up for a sporting event that will bring football to a much wider audience. Here’s what to expect from this momentous occasion. Representation of provinces outside Manila: With one club based in the far north of Luzon, two clubs residing in the Visayas and a sole representative from the island of Mindanao, key provinces and regions in the country’s main regions will be represented for the first time. Click here to see a map of the home location for each team. New League, new logo! Newly established clubs The league will feature two new clubs in its maiden season, Ilocos United FC and Davao Aguilas FC. These new faces and fan-bases will grace the competition, add to the significant market potential of the cities they represent, and add to the excitement of the league. Home and Away format The first stage of the tournament will be in a home and away format in line with the footballing tradition, which is a rarity in Philippine sports. This will definitely give the hosts and their respective fans a chance to really showcase their passionate support. Stadia For the first time in sports history some of the country’s stadia will be featured and exposed given the geographic representation of each team. Quirino Stadium: Bantay, Ilocos Sur (Ilocos United FC) Capacity: 5,000 Marikina Sports Complex: Marikina City (JP Voltes Marikina) Capacity: 15,000 Rizal Memorial Stadium: Manila (Loyola Meralco Sparks) Capacity: 12,873 University of Makati Stadium: Makati City (Kaya FC Makati) Capacity: 4,000 Biñan Football Stadium: City of Biñan, Laguna (Stallion Laguna) Capacity: 2,580 Panaad Park and Stadium: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental (Ceres Negros FC) Capacity: 8,000 University of San Carlos Stadium: Cebu City (Global Queen City FC) Capacity: To be determined Davalo del Norte Sports Complex: Tagum City, Davao del Norte (Davao Aguilas FC) Capacity: 3,000 Fans Although football-fan culture in the Philippines is relatively still very young, each club (particularly the more established ones) already has its respective rabid fan-base: Sons of Mighty Kaya/Ultras Kaya (Kaya Makati FC) Established in 2011, Ultras Kaya is the oldest club-based ultras movement in the country Global Force & Ultras Sugbo/Queen City Army (Global Queen City FC) Global Force: The first fan group of Global FC with a more American-style type of support. Ultras Sugbo (aka Queen City Army): The hard-core faction of Global FC Note that both fan groups are united. The only difference between the two is the method of showing their support. Ultras Ceres/South Side Curva Boys (Ceres Negros) Founded in 2015, this ultras supporters of Ceres are located in the south side curve of Panaad Park and Stadium hence, their alternative name South Side Curva Boys Lakeside Squad (Stallion Laguna) The newest established ultra-fans group as of the moment, Lakeside squad got its name from Laguna de Bay which is the biggest lake in the Philippines where the province of Laguna is located nearby. Loyolista Narangha (Loyola Meralco Sparks) Founded in 2016 they got their name from their club colours (orange) which was derived from the Spanish word Naranja Aguilas Casuals (Davao Aguilas FC) Derived from the Casuals culture of England, they are a very newly formed ultras group for Davao Aguilas FC Ilocos United FC Conquistadors Boosters (Ilocos United FC) Also a newly formed fan-base, it will be a surprise on how they will let their presence felt this coming season. http://www.foxsportsasia.com/news/philippines-football-league-preview/
www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-manager-neil-warnock-12990474 Neil Warnock has revealed he has held talks over deals for Lee Camp AND Neil Etheridge after confirming he wants two new goalkeepers at Cardiff City this summer. But he has not completely ruled out keeping hold of Allan McGregor, even though he did admit it would be difficult to land the Scotland international on a permanent deal once his loan ends after Sunday's final game of the season. Warnock is waiting for meetings with owner Vincent Tan before pushing fully ahead with transfer plans, but that has not stopped him making inroads into deals as he looks to build a squad for a promotion challenge next season. And he admits it has included discussions over moves for Walsall keeper and former Chelsea youth product Etheridge who will be available on a Bosman deal this summer. Warnock enquired over the 27-year-old in January only to be put off by the Saddlers' asking price. But he could renew a move, while he admitted he has also looked to Rotherham keeper Camp who he worked with at the Millers last year. “We spoke to the club in January about Neil but I wasn't prepared to pay the figure they wanted,” said Warnock. “I'll leave it to the goalkeeping coach – Andy Dibble looks at the goalkeepers and advises what he would do.”
Report: Walsall make last-ditch attempt to scupper Sheffield United's Neil Etheridge hopes www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/04/report-walsall-make-last-ditch-attempt-to-scupper-sheffield-unit/?utm_medium=share+service&utm_campaign=social+media&utm_source=twitter&utm_content=HITCdeadlineday Simon Moore may have started 43 League One games between the sticks for Sheffield United this season but it appears that sentiment cannot be allowed to stand in the way of progress. The Walsall Advertiser reported last month that Blades’ title-winning boss Chris Wilder is a massive fan of Walsall goalkeeper Neil Etheridge – so much so that he plans to sign him this summer and make him the club’s number one for their first Championship season in six years. Darryl Westlake, Febian Brandy and Andy Butler all flopped at Bramall Lane after arriving from The Saddlers in recent seasons but there’s no reason to believe the same fate with befall Etheridge. The former Fulham youngster, and 53-time Philippine international, is one of the finest goalkeepers in English football’s third tier and clearly has the ability to try his hand at a higher level.
Neil Etheridge is in Manila and will start his annual goalkeeping course on Monday. My guess is he will be watching some of the PFL games. It is nice to have hands on instruction from a former English Premiership reserve player and soon to be English Championship League starter. https://www.instagram.com/p/BTtH0uZl_Yn/
The-AFC.comVerified account @theafcdotcom It's official now! The election result for the three FIFA Council members on #AFCCongress2017! The PFF @philfootball 42m42 minutes ago PFF Pres Mariano Araneta wins a seat as @fifacom Council Member (by acclamation) for term 2017-2019 during the 27th @theafcdotcom
GIRLS’ U15: Philippines in semis; Singapore back in contention VIENTIANE (11 May 2017) – Philippines booked their place in the semi-finals of the Under-15 Girls’ Championship in style when they whipped Cambodia 3-0 as Singapore fought their way back into contention with a 2-1 win over Indonesia. With just four teams in Group B, the fight for a place in the next round is now down to between Singapore and Cambodia who have each picked up three points while Indonesia are already out after two losses in a row. The final game in the group in two days will determined who will make the cut to the next round to join the Philippines with Singapore having the tougher tie of having to take on the group leaders. Cambodia will complete their group fixtures against Indonesia. In the game this evening, the top of the table clash saw a confident Philippines side taking to the field against a Cambodian side which seems a little fatigued for the task ahead. And this affected their game as the more physically superior Philippines side made full use of their advantage to contain the Cambodians to much in their own half. Midfielder Alexander Yap, who was a handful in their first game, continued to terrorise the Cambodians defence. And in the 14th minute, she delivered the first goal for the Philippines with an exquisite freekick to beat Cambodian keeper Kory Muoykanha. Cambodia tried to put some semblance of a fightback and the best that they could muster throughout the evening was a 34th minute effort from Chhorn Sreynit, who while managed to shirk her marker, just could not find the finishing touch for the goal. That failure to draw level prodded the Philippines into further action and just before the break, a nice build up from the right saw Lazo Diaz scoring from close range. With Cambodia hardly putting up a fight as they continued to defend in numbers into the second, the Philippines took more control of the game as they attacked from either flanks to put the pressure on their opponents Several chances went begging for a fine finish although Anya Fuentes finally found the third goal for the Philippines in the 65th minute for the final score. Indonesia (in red and green) vs Singapore (in blue and white) On the other hand, Singapore came back from a goal down to beat Indonesia 2-1 in a tie which they need to win for them to have a fighting chance for a place in the semi-finals. And while they were taking the game to Indonesia, it was the latter who went ahead in the 27th minute when they won a penalty following a foul on Anisa Febiana by Singapore defender Nasriah Ibrahim. Striker Carla Pattinasarany blasted the ball to the left of Singapore keeper Azura Azlan for the lead. But Singapore did not give up and while the score maybe 1-0 to Indonesia’s advantage at the end of the first half, the break would prove pivotal. Singapore came back stronger and in the 51st minute they finally found the equaliser through midfielder Putri Nur Sazali, who picked up the pass from deep before evading her markers to shoot past Indonesian keeper Rabiah Khodijah. With Indonesia not able to give support to midfielder Sheiva Furyzcha and Carla running out of steam, Singapore grabbed the chance to slot in the winner with Putri once again on target in the 55th minute, making good on the cross from Nur Atikah Salleh. The win allowed Singapore to get back into contention where now they have to plan the proper strategy to beat the Philippines in two days. RESULTS GROUP B – 11 May 2017 Indonesia 1 Singapore 2 Cambodia 3 Philippines 0 Current Standings Group A P W D L GF GA GD PTS Thailand 2 2 0 0 2 0 2 6 Laos 2 1 0 1 6 4 2 3 Myanmar 2 1 0 1 2 1 -1 3 Vietnam 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0 Malaysia 1 0 0 1 2 5 -3 0 Group B P W D L GF GA GD PTS Philippines 2 2 0 0 5 0 5 6 Singapore 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3 Cambodia 2 1 0 1 2 4 -2 3 Indonesia 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0 http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/
Philippines confirmed their arrival into the semi-finals of the AFF Under-15 Girls’ Championship as group winners when they whitewashed Singapore 3-0 to maintain their perfect record of three wins from three matches. But what made the win for the Philippines girls more outstanding was the fact that they did not concede a single goal enroute to their passage to the next round. “We are of course very happy to make the semi-finals as we have met our initial target of winning all our matches,” said Philippines head coach Marielled Benitez. “There are some things which we need to work on obviously, where the finishing still needs some polishing.” The pressure was always going to be on Singapore to deliver against one of the best organised teams in the competition this year. But with the likes of Dorcas Chu and Putri Nur Syaliza Sazali a little off colour on the day, it allowed the Philippines more possession and space to push the ball around. And it did not take them too long to get on the score sheet when Arianna Lepage banged in a 10th minute cross from Kassandra Kalamea. In full control and with no danger of losing the battle at the centre of the park ably commanded by the lanky Myria Garcia, the Philippines came at the Singapore defence three minutes later but the attempt from Alexander Yap was saved by keeper Azura Azlan. The best that Singapore could muster was a defensive lapse on the part of the Philippines defence in the 35th minute but with only the goalkeeper to beat, striker Danelle Tan just could not find the finishing touch. Philippines continued their dominance into the second half and with several chances missing the intended target, it was only in the 62nd minute that they were able to add to the score line with Myria heading in the cross from Yap. Five minutes later, the Philippines completed and celebrated their comprehensive victory with a dipping shot from Cera Mendoza to beat Azura Azlan for the third time on the day. Current Standings Group A P W D L GF GA GD PTS Thailand 3 3 0 0 7 0 9 9 Myanmar 3 2 0 1 4 2 2 6 Laos 2 1 0 1 6 4 2 3 Vietnam 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0 Malaysia 2 0 0 2 2 12 -10 0 Group B P W D L GF GA GD PTS Philippines 3 3 0 0 8 0 8 9 Cambodia 3 1 1 1 3 5 -2 4 Singapore 3 1 0 2 3 6 -3 3 Indonesia 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1 Teams in bold make semi-finals
It looks like the Philippines and the PFL is following MLS and China in hiring players from big name teams who are near retirement in their 30's. http://www.pericosonline.com/notici...e-jose-antonio-reyes-podria-estar-a-filipines Jose Antonio Reyes (current player of Espanyol Team [La Liga]) (former player of Arsenal, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Sevilla ) Of course this is still rumor and not a done deal yet, but nice to hear such good players even considering the PFL. Plenty of Spaniards especially from Andalusia in the PFL now. It is probably a plus for them that the Philippines is a former colony and still has a small but thriving Filipino Spanish community.