PFF to boost grassroots football after U16 Setback

The Philippine Under-16 Boys National Team concluded their campaign at the 2024 ASEAN U16 Boys Championship winless after their final match on June 27.

Despite the disappointing results, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) remains committed to advancing grassroots and youth football development across the country.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez expressed his appreciation for the team, acknowledging their efforts and the support from their families and coaching staff.

“We thank our under 16 boys who gave their all for flag and country. We are proud of them. May this experience inspire them to further strive as players, and reach their full potential. PFF also thanks the coaching and management staff led by coach Yuki Matsuda, and most of all, the parents for supporting the football dream of their sons,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez emphasized that the lessons learned from the tournament will drive the Federation to intensify its efforts in empowering youth and children in football development from as early as three years old. This strategic focus is embodied in PFF’s “Football Starts at Home” flagship program.

“Our recent launches in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Central Visayas, Central Luzon, and NCR are just the start of Football Starts at Home, which we are conducting in partnership with the movement’s founder, Coach Tom Byer. We will implement this program nationwide through our Regional Football Associations. We will encourage parents to be their children’s first coaches. With this bonding, they can give their kids the confidence and support to learn the basics of ball manipulation with their feet, and develop ball mastery,” Gutierrez explained.

The Football Starts at Home program is designed to instill ball mastery in young Filipino footballers, providing a solid foundation for their development.

By engaging parents as the first coaches, the PFF aims to foster a supportive environment where children can develop essential skills from a young age.

This initiative is part of PFF’s broader strategy to elevate the quality of domestic football to match international standards.

By focusing on grassroots development, the Federation hopes to produce a new generation of skilled players who can compete at higher levels.