PFF Futsaliga builds momentum at House of Futsal

After four weekends of competition, the PFF Futsaliga presented by the Philippine Sports Commission has emerged as a focal point for grassroots development, top-level play, and a growing futsal community at the Philsports Arena, now branded as the country’s House of Futsal.

The league has drawn more than 500 players from 32 clubs across the men’s, women’s, and youth divisions, giving young prospects and veteran national team players a common stage.

Weekly matchdays have also attracted 200 to 300 spectators, an early sign that public interest in futsal is gaining ground.

The Philsports Arena’s transformation into a permanent futsal hub followed the country’s hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, with PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio backing the push to establish a lasting home for the sport.

That support has allowed the Philippine Football Federation to mount a competition on a national scale, while the venue now also serves as the training and competition base of the Philippine women’s national futsal team.

The league’s community-driven character has been reflected in the range of players taking part, from U17 standouts to current and former national team names such as Stephan Schrock, Hazel Lustan, Shai del Campo, Kayla Santiago, Regine Rebosura, Sarahgen Tulabing, and Vrendelle Nuera.

Their presence has raised the standard of competition and given younger players direct exposure to experienced futsal talents.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said the league is designed to connect development and high-level performance.

“The PFF Futsaliga is a platform that connects grassroots development to elite performance through its four intensely competitive tournaments. With the support of the PSC and Chairman Pato Gregorio, we are building a sustainable futsal ecosystem anchored on the House of Futsal.”

Gutierrez said the federation is already looking beyond the inaugural edition.

“Following the success of this inaugural run, we are preparing to launch an elite and semi-professional futsal league by July. This will provide a clear pathway for our players—from youth competitions to higher levels of the game.”

On the court, the Women’s Division has been led by Beach Hut FC and the FEU Lady Tamaraws, who remain unbeaten after four matchdays.

In the Men’s Division, the Azkals Development Club, or ADC, and PWU have continued to set the pace, with Enderun College and UA&P staying close in the race.

In the Girls U17 Division on March 21, Nemesis Gaia FA kept its perfect record intact with a 3–0 win over EMA Bulacan Highlanders.

JM Lorilla scored twice in that victory and claimed her second straight Player of the Match award.

PasigLaban, meanwhile, edged Beach Hut FC, 4–2, in a clash of top teams after Jazz Sosa struck a late brace in the 37th and 39th minutes.

Dhea Nicolly Cebe earned her third consecutive Player of the Match award in that result and credited teamwork for helping PasigLaban secure the win.

Silangan FC Cainta also continued its rise with a 4–0 victory over Star FC. Sophia Nicole Dela Cruz delivered a hat trick to power Silangan’s win.

Antipolo City FC and Sporting QC settled for a 2–2 draw after Althea Cabig scored a brace for Antipolo, before Ariela Abeto and Ela Torcatos answered for Sporting QC.

After Matchday 4, Nemesis Gaia FA and PasigLaban shared the lead in the Girls U17 standings with 12 points each. Beach Hut FC and Silangan FC Cainta followed with nine points apiece.

In the Boys U17 Division on March 21, PasigLaban rescued a 2–2 draw against Antipolo City FC. Mel Navaro scored the late equalizer and picked up Player of the Match honors.

Nemesis FA then broke through for its first win in emphatic fashion with a 6–1 rout of Manila Futsal Team.

Michael Canaman produced five goals in that breakthrough victory and later credited preparation and determination for the performance.

Star FC preserved its unbeaten run with a 6–2 comeback win over Sporting QC after climbing out of a 0–2 hole. Franc Obias led that turnaround with a hat trick.

Paul Stiga Academy, or PSA, edged EMA Bulacan Highlanders, 1–0, behind a 26th-minute strike from Seojan Santoluis.

Star FC topped the Boys U17 standings with 12 points after four matchdays.

PSA followed with nine points, while EMA Bulacan Highlanders and Manila Futsal Team each had six points.

In the Women’s Division on March 22, the University of Makati posted a key 3–0 victory over Azzurri. Taif Salama scored twice in that derby win for UMak.

The FEU Lady Tamaraws stayed perfect with a 2–0 win over PWU. Lenlen Cristobal again delivered for FEU and collected her third Player of the Match award.

Beach Hut FC needed a late goal from Tenelyn Otom in the 39th minute to slip past Enderun College, 2–1, and protect its unbeaten record.

ADC also secured a 3–0 win over Forza. Former Filipinas stalwart Dai Dolino scored a brace for ADC and emphasized both enjoyment and competitiveness as central to the team’s play.

Beach Hut FC and FEU shared first place in the Women’s Division with 12 points each after Matchday 4. ADC, Enderun College, and UMak remained in contention with six points each.

In the Men’s Division on March 22, PWU sustained its dominant stretch with an 8–2 victory over Sporting QC to stay unbeaten.

Despite the loss, Sporting QC goalkeeper Angelo Niño Ramirez scored both of his team’s goals.

ADC then defeated UA&P, 6–1, behind a hat trick from former national team captain Schrock. That result ended UA&P’s unbeaten run and kept ADC perfect through four matchdays.

Enderun College rallied to beat Tondo FC, 4–2. Jean Marc Sayejh delivered a decisive brace in that win for Enderun.

PUP Radicals and UMak closed the weekend with a 2–2 draw. That result gave both teams their first points of the tournament.

Radicals head coach Marigen Ariel praised the Futsaliga for being an inclusive, safe, and nurturing space for women gaffers like her and UMak head coach Mary Cristine Duran coaching in the men’s division.

At the top of the Men’s Division table, ADC and PWU each had 12 points after four rounds.

Enderun College and UA&P followed with nine points each, keeping the semifinal race tight.

The league will pause for the Holy Week break before resuming on April 11 at the Philsports Arena.