PFF hosts talent identification camp in LA ahead of U-17 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

The 10th edition of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup is set to kick off in Suzhou, China, from April 30 to May 17, bringing together the continent’s top young female football talent for a high-stakes showcase. The tournament will feature 12 national teams vying not only for the championship but also for crucial development experience that could shape the future of women’s football in Asia.

Among the participating teams is the Philippines Under-17 women’s national football team, marking an important milestone in the country’s youth football development. In preparation for the tournament, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) recently hosted a five-day Talent Identification Camp in Los Angeles, United States. The initiative sought to identify and nurture young Filipino talent living abroad, reflecting a growing strategy to tap into the large Filipino diaspora and integrate them into the national team program.

The camp also coincided with the official appointment of Nahuel Arrate as head coach of the Philippines Under-17 women’s national team. Arrate’s promotion represents a natural progression in his coaching career, following his tenure as assistant coach for the senior Filipinas squad during their historic run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the team earned international acclaim for their performances. His leadership is expected to bring technical expertise, tactical discipline, and international experience to the youth setup.

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More than 150 young players from across North America — including Washington D.C., Texas, Alabama, New York, Seattle, Vancouver, and Toronto — attended the camp. Participants born between 2009 and 2011 underwent intensive training and evaluation, providing the PFF with an opportunity to track talent from grassroots to elite levels. The program not only focused on technical and tactical abilities but also emphasized teamwork, discipline, and the mental attributes necessary to succeed at international tournaments.

Take a look at the complete draw for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026!

The continental showpiece will be played in China between 30 April and 17 May.

India are in Group B alongside Japan, Australia and Lebanon! #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/O2CXbyfUPh

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“Seeing the depth of talent in the U.S. highlights the scale of what’s available to us as a nation,” said Selu Lozano, manager of the Philippines Under-17 women’s national football team.

“Programs like this connect homegrown players in the Philippines with Filipina talent abroad through one global platform, creating real pathways across all levels of development.”

The Filipinas have been drawn into Group C for the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup, where they will face formidable opponents including North Korea, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei. The group stage promises to be a challenging test for the young squad, but it also represents an invaluable opportunity for exposure and growth against some of Asia’s best. The Philippines will open their campaign against South Korea on May 2 at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre, signaling the start of what the team hopes will be a memorable tournament.

Beyond competition, participation in the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup serves as a stepping stone for young Filipina footballers aspiring to reach the senior national team and beyond. The experience gained from training camps, international matches, and exposure to elite-level play is seen as critical in developing the next generation of players who can compete on the world stage. With dedicated coaching, structured development programs, and a growing emphasis on scouting talent abroad, the Philippines is steadily building a youth program designed to elevate women’s football for years to come.

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