Six youth football development centres in major regions form the cornerstone of the PFF’s Centre of Development (COD) Program, which identifies and nurtures young talent. These centres host monthly training sessions and inter-regional matches for 20-30 boys and girls in the U14 age group, serving as a reliable platform for young athletes to develop their skills and be inspired by peers from different backgrounds.

 

Due to the country’s geographical and logistical diversity, the PFF holds weekly training sessions for U11 to U16 age groups in the National Capital Region, twice weekly in Cebu and monthly centralised sessions and games for players and coaches from other regions.

 

Assessors noticed a strong emphasis on coaching education, where workshops were organised to disseminate the COD methodology and encourage coaches to adapt and implement these practices in local environments.

Its talent identification programme was also highlighted. The PFF’s Talent ID Unit encompasses a database which compiles information on players selected from competitions and try-outs, those participating in the COD as well as players abroad. Additionally, the PFF organises a twice-yearly workshop for coaches to scout players by evaluating available data.

 

The PFF’s strategies to foster collaboration with various entities for the sustainable development of youth football were commended, as were its plans to increase COD sessions and its emphasis on the growth of youth coaches. 

Assessors also toured the Tuloy FC football academy in Alabang, which not only helps homeless and underprivileged children play football and further their education, but has also produced players for the national youth team.

 

In Bukidnon, assessors took in the Del Monte Football Cup, considered a key event in cultivating young talent and expanding the Talent ID database. This year’s edition saw 247 teams comprising 2,000 players take part.

 

Moving forward, the PFF will look to boost its development programmes for both boys and girls, underpinned by a clear vision and philosophy for its pathway.

 

“Becoming a full member of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme represents a significant milestone,” said PFF Secretary General Angelico Mercader. “It would not only validate the efforts and progress of the COD Program but also motivate further improvements, enabling the PFF to scale and enhance youth development efforts nationwide.”

 

By earning its full membership, the PFF became the 27th AFC Member Association to be endorsed under the AFC Elite Youth Scheme, which was launched in 2017 and aims to provide the tools and frameworks necessary for nurturing the next generation of stars by focusing on high-quality player development, structured coaching and the establishment of elite academies.