PFF holds futsal clinic in Rizal to build on historic FIFA Women’s World Cup hosting

The Philippines etched its name into football history by successfully hosting the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, a landmark event that not only elevated the profile of the sport but also showcased the country’s growing credibility as a host of major international competitions.

From opening day to the final whistle, the tournament was widely regarded as a resounding success. Fans turned out in impressive numbers, filling venues with energy and enthusiasm, while organizers delivered a world-class experience marked by efficient logistics, well-prepared facilities, and smooth tournament operations that met FIFA’s global standards. The atmosphere reflected a nation eager to embrace the beautiful game in all its forms.

Beyond the spectacle on the court, the World Cup underscored the Philippines’ ability to stage elite sporting events outside its traditional strongholds of basketball and volleyball. More importantly, it reignited conversations about football development, particularly in disciplines such as futsal that are uniquely suited to the country’s urban spaces and community courts.

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Determined to build on the momentum and ensure that the impact of the World Cup extends beyond the tournament itself, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) wasted no time in translating inspiration into action. On Sunday, January 25, the federation conducted a PFF Futsal Clinic in the province of Rizal, an initiative aimed at introducing the sport to communities and encouraging young players to take up futsal at an early age.

The clinic was designed as a grassroots-driven effort to expand access to futsal in a basketball-dominated sporting landscape. By bringing structured training directly to local communities, the PFF hopes to lower barriers to entry and create sustainable pathways for aspiring futsal players across the country.

“We’re very humbled that the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup will be held in our country.”

Preparations are already underway in the Philippines to host their first-ever FIFA event next year 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/6sGb3N5LC5

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) October 11, 2024

A total of 110 youngsters, ranging from children to teenagers and representing various parts of the province, participated in the clinic. The sessions focused on fundamental skills, movement, ball control, and an understanding of futsal’s fast-paced nature. Beyond technical instruction, the clinic emphasized teamwork, discipline, and enjoyment—key elements in nurturing long-term interest in the sport.

Leading the sessions was Jeffrey de Castro, assistant coach of the Philippine women’s national futsal team and Operations Manager of the PFF Coaches Education Program. He was joined by coaches from FA Rizal and members of the Filipina5 national team, including Vrendelle Nuera, Bhebhe Lemoran, and Regine Rebosura. Their presence provided young participants not only with expert instruction but also with visible role models who embody the pathway from grassroots futsal to national representation.

“Hosting the first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup gave us belief. What matters now is what we do after. This clinic is about turning inspiration into opportunity by bringing futsal to communities, engaging young players early, and creating pathways for the next generation of Filipina and Filipino futsal players,” PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez said on the occasion.

Gutierrez also highlighted futsal’s accessibility as a key factor in its potential growth nationwide, particularly in densely populated areas where traditional football pitches are scarce.

“Futsal can be played in covered courts and small spaces, which allows us to reach more communities. From these clinics, we hope to identify and nurture talents who can eventually represent the country,” he added.

For the PFF, the Rizal clinic represents more than a single-day event. It is part of a broader strategy to capitalize on the World Cup’s legacy by investing in youth development, coach education, and regional outreach. By empowering local associations and engaging young players early, the federation aims to strengthen the foundation of futsal in the Philippines and ensure that the historic hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup becomes a starting point rather than a standalone achievement.

As the Philippines continues to explore new avenues for sporting growth, initiatives like the PFF Futsal Clinic serve as a reminder that lasting success is built not only on hosting global events, but on nurturing the next generation who will carry the sport forward.

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