PFF highlights youth, women’s football, and transparency reforms

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) underscored its progress in grassroots football, women’s development, domestic leagues, coaching and referee education, and transparency initiatives during the 22nd PFF Ordinary Congress on June 7, 2025.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said, “We celebrate progress. From exciting wins on the international stage to the growing strength of our domestic leagues, Philippine football is gaining real momentum… thanks to the shared dedication of our players, coaches, officials and member associations, as well as our supporters and stakeholders.”

Among its youth development initiatives, the PFF distributed 70,000 footballs to regional associations under FIFA’s Football for Schools program and held coaching workshops at the PFF National Training Center in Cavite.

The Talent ID Network scouted 974 players nationwide and identified 189 outstanding athletes, while 82 coaches were engaged to help build a pipeline of future national players.

The PFF Women’s League launched in March 2025 with 16 participating teams, further strengthening opportunities for women’s football across the country.

For coaches’ education, the PFF produced 94 new D Licensed coaches, trained 70 participants in certificate courses, and confirmed a total of 2,103 licensed coaches as of December 2024.

Referees’ education also expanded with refresher and basic futsal courses held in Cavite, Tagaytay, Dumaguete, Victorias City, and Siquijor, ensuring stronger officiating nationwide.

Gutierrez said, “We are expanding the current offerings with a new focus on providing opportunities for all aspiring coaches and referees, both men and women.”

He confirmed that the PFF is working on a national curriculum for football education and restructuring the U-19 and U-16 championships in line with Asian Football Confederation standards.

A new women’s football development strategy will also be rolled out with FIFA support to strengthen pathways from grassroots to elite levels.

The federation reported milestones for national teams, including the men’s 4-1 win against Maldives in the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, the Filipinas’ international victories in Dubai, and the Filipina5’s run to the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup final round.

Gutierrez said, “Hosting this prestigious global tournament is a milestone moment for the country, not only for women’s futsal, but for Philippine football as a whole,” referring to the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup that the Philippines will host later in 2025.

The Congress also approved the 2024 Financial Statement and appointed two internal auditors, Engr. Abenir Labja and Ismael Batiles Jr., to reinforce transparency and accountability.

Three new football associations—Batangas, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa Palawan—were welcomed into the federation, raising total membership to 41.

Batangas FA President Nelson “Neko” del Rosario said, “Finally, with Sir John’s effort, our FA is now independent. Thank you for that.”

Puerto Princesa Palawan FA President Dio Paolo de Guzman said their return to PFF felt like a homecoming, adding, “There are a lot talented football athletes in Palawan. We want to be part of the PFF programs and sanctioned tournaments.”

Bohol FA President Fernando Camacho pledged to strengthen beach football and support grassroots growth, saying, “We promise to elevate Bohol football and we thank you for the opportunity.”

The PFF also confirmed progress on its new five-story headquarters in Carmona, Cavite, with the first two phases completed in January 2025.

Gutierrez said the government, including Senator Pia Cayetano and the Department of Budget and Management, is backing the World Cup hosting effort as a major boost to women’s sports.

“As we move forward to the second half of the year, we look forward to creating history by hosting one of FIFA’s major quadrennial tournaments,” Gutierrez said.

He concluded, “Let us move forward together in the spirit of Bayanihan. The future of Philippine football is bright.”