With women's football title defended, Rebosura sets sights on Futsal World Cup

c/o UAAP

From humble beginnings on the indoor court of Payatas to the grand stage of the UAAP, Regine Rebosura’s college football career ended on the highest note possible—just before she stepped onto the world’s biggest futsal stage.

Rebosura, who came in as a second-half substitute, scored in the 90+3rd minute to seal Far Eastern University’s 2-0 win over De La Salle University in the final of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament last Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Her goal helped the Lady Tamaraws complete a perfect campaign and claim their fourth consecutive championship.

If that wasn’t enough, she also earned the Best Midfielder award—her second time receiving the honor after previously claiming it in Season 85.

Known for making the most of every opportunity to shine, Rebosura reflected on the daily challenges that made her triumph even more fulfilling.

“Sobrang saya,” said the 24-year-old from Quezon City. “Sobrang worth it lahat kase napag-manage namin kasabay ng academics namin. Training sa morning, gym sa hapon — yung pagod namin sobrang worth it.”

What made Rebosura’s happy ending even more remarkable was that she had spent time away from her FEU teammates while preparing in Spain with the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team for the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

Moreover, the night before the UAAP final, her name was confirmed among the 14 players who would represent the country in the inaugural World Cup edition on home soil. She initially struggled to compose herself, but ultimately focused on making up for lost time.

“Para sakin, yung second half medyo nag-a-adjust ako,” said the newly crowned four-time champion. “Medyo kinakabahan kasi galing po ako Spain. Mahirap mag-adjust. Alam ko sa sarili ko kaya ko pa and then pinangako ko sa mga teammates and mga coaches ko na kaya kong bumawi.”

Rebosura’s journey has been remarkable; she could not have imagined that kicking a ball on a simple court would be the first step toward four UAAP championships, crucial goals across three finals, and two individual awards.

Yet, there could be no greater validation of her versatility, hard work, and talent than her inclusion as the only collegiate player in the final Filipina5 squad for the World Cup.

The Filipina5 are grouped with Poland (November 21), Morocco (November 24), and Argentina (November 27), with the top two teams in each of the four pools advancing to the knockout stage.

As an underdog throughout her life, Rebosura hopes the nationals will surprise their opponents.

She is now calling on local fans to rally behind her and her teammates as they prepare for a historic homecourt debut.

“Yun po lumabas na po yung final 14,” she said. “Kasama po ako sa list na maglalaro po sa World Cup. Suportahan nyo po kami maglaro from November 21. Dito po gaganapin.”

PFF counting on government support for successful FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup hosting

FIFA Council Member Mariano V. Araneta, Philippine Sports Commision Chairman Patrick Gregorio, Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez (c/o the PFF)

In addressing those present during the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup draw last September 15 at the BGC Arts Center, Philippine Football Federation President John Gutierrez expressed his gratitude to the Philippine government for their support for the competition.

Gutierrez says, "Together with FIFA Council Member Mariano V. Araneta, we at the Philippine Football Federation are very grateful to the Philippine Government for making the hosting of the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 possible. We thank his Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for believing in the legacy that this hosting will bring to our country; Philippine Sports Commission, especially its Chair, Mr. Patrick Gregorio, for the pro-active support and championing this event as a major boost in sports tourism, and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino for his endorsement,.  Without this, the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025 would probably be just a dream."

This was made possible through Administration Order No. 35, which Marcos Jr. authorizes the the establishment of an Inter-Agency Task Force that would ensure a successful hosting of FFWWC 2025, under the leadership of the PSC. Said task force will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of the various government agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of the inaugural edition of the tournament.

Gutierrez very much appreciates the efforts of the PSC in leading the task force. He says, "I cannot emphasize enough the crucial part that PSC and Chair Patrick Gregorio play in our country’s hosting of the FFWWC. Their support has been key to bringing a world-class international tournament that is the FFWWC."

The recently-concluded draw was the latest major endeavour of the task force, which drew attendance from FIFA officials, representatives from the sixteen participating nations, members of the media, as well as the special guests for the occasion, Hali Long, Vanie Gandler, Croatia women's national futsal team head coach, Tihana Nemčić Bojić, and Brazilian futsal legend Falcão.

Whilst FIFA President Gianni Infantino was unable to make it to Manila, a recorded video from him was played, highlighting the federation's role as the football association that landed the bid to host the inaugural edition of the FFWWC, and reiterated the importance of the competition in developing futsal and football in the region, particularly the Philippines.

He says, "The first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup is truly a game-changer. It finally gives the world’s top women’s futsal players the global stage that they deserve. But it will also shape the futsal players of tomorrow by inspiring so many young people. Led by PFF President, my friend, John Gutierrez, as well as former PFF President and current FIFA Council Member, my friend, as well, Mariano Araneta, in a true team effort that has led to this proud day (of the draw ceremony) for you all and for us all."

Infantino adds that he will be in the country for the competition, and says in his words, "celebrate this hugely significant step for your country and for us all."

Trophy for FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup revealed

The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup trophy

As the draw for the inaugural edition of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup creeps closer, FIFA on Friday revealed the trophy that sixteen nations will be going after for in the Philippines.

The global football entity crafted the design in-house, the trophy, according to them, "encapsulates the energy, precision and creativity of the women’s game." It is set to inspire players and fans alike as it set to take place starting late November.

Taking certain elements from its male counterpart, but it is to have its own personal identity. This piece "embodies the essence of futsal, a high-speed, skill-focused sport." It features two converging bars in gold and silver, symbolizing unity and competition, on a stylised futsal pitch. The curves echo the dynamic flow of the game, underscoring the technical finesse, ball control and teamwork that define elite futsal.

The upcoming ceremony will be the first chance the world will be able to actually see the trophy, which is scheduled to take place inside Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, with the program scheduled to commence at 5pm local time and will be streamed through FIFA.com, as well as through its app, FIFA+.

Hosted by sports presenter Mara Aquino, FIFA representatives, sporting legends, and dignitaries will be around for the proceedings, which will see the teams split into four groups.

All sixteen teams have been allocated into four pots based the latest FIFA Futsal Women's World Rankings released back in late August, save for the Philippines, who has been already slotted into Pot 1 as hosts.

Joining the Filipina5 in the Pot are perceived favorites Brazil, Spain, and Portugal.

Asian contenders Thailand and Japan lead Pot 2, alongside Argentina and Italy.

Meanwhile in Pot 3, Iran will be fielding their first women's team at this level of competition, with Colombia, Poland, and New Zealand.

Completing the field in Pot 4 are Morocco, Canada, Panama, and Tanzania, whose team here will the first time any of their senior sides have reached at this high in the world stage.

Pot 1 teams will be drawn first, with the Philippines automatically designated into Group A as A1. Subsequent teams will then be selected and allocated into the three remaining groups, before restarting the process in the next pot, until all teams have been selected.

FIFA prefers to have as much as possible a diverse group, so it will ensure that no team from the same confederation will be in each group.

The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup will take place at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, starting on November 21 and ending on December 7, and fans can already pre-register their interest in securing tickets through FIFA.com/tickets.

Pasig, Victorias named as FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025 host cities

The two host cities of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025

It was announced on Friday that two cities will be the venues for the upcoming FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025™.

The cities of Pasig in the National Capital Region, and Victorias in Negros Occidental will serve as the Host Cities for the inaugural edition of the competition, set to take place in late November, as revealed by FIFA and the tournament's Local Organizing Committee.

Philippine Football Federation president John Anthony Gutierrez shares, "We are extremely proud of this milestone and we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the local governments of Pasig City and Victorias City for their invaluable support in providing a truly unforgettable experience for the participating teams, the fans and the Filipino community."

On FIFA's end, Director of Tournaments Jaime Yarza says, "We are confident that, in collaboration with both Host Cities, we will deliver a tournament that meets the highest standards in terms of facilities and services and offers the players and fans a top-class experience."

Yarza also adds, "We also aim to leave a tangible legacy within the Philippines, improving the futsal infrastructure in the country – starting in these two cities – and encouraging new players to take up the game."

FIFA representatives made visits to both cities in recent months, checking on the infrastructure, accessibility, and accomodation capacity. With both cities having a track record for successfully hosting both sports and cultural events, making it ideal to host this groundbreaking endeavor.

In addition, the existence of active grassroots programmes in the area proved to be a key element in the selection process, which is in line with FIFA's long-term goals for the development of futsal and the promotion of women's football.

As noted by FIFA Chief Women's Football Officer Dame Sarai Bareman, "World Cups are among the most powerful forces we have to grow our sport, and the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup is another exciting step in that journey. It’s a chance to inspire more girls and women around the world to play futsal."

Competition is set to commence on November 21, with the inaugural champion to be crowned on December 7. The sixteen-team field has already been formalized with the conclusion of the qualifying rounds, with these countries joining the Philippines in the affair: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, IR Iran, Italy, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania and Thailand.

Philippines reveals squad for AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup qualifying

c/o Philippine Football Federation

Amidst the backdrop of recent developments involving the women's futsal team, the Philippine Football Federation has called up fourteen players for the upcoming AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

Set to take place from January 11-19 at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Philippines will tangle with Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Australia in Group C of the tournament. Finishing in the top two of the group secures a spot in the finals proper, which is to take place this May in China.

Three spots to the inaugural edition of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup are at stake, with the Philippines already earmarked a spot as the host of the competition set to be held in November.

To assemble the team, the PFF held a camp last December 26-30 in Manila, supplemented by training earlier this week.

Leading the way are a few holdovers from the team that participated in the ASEAN Women's Futsal Championship late last year: Shai del Campo, Cathrine Graversen, Samantha Hughes, Vrendelle Nuera, and Kayla Santiago.

This is supplemented by recent Filipinas call-ups Shelah Cadag, Sara Castaneda, Bella Flanigan, Katrina Guillou, and Dionesa Tolentin.

Completing the team are Judy Connolly, Rocelle Mendaño, Nicole Ramores, and Regine Rebosura.

Acting as the head coach is Rafa Merino Rodriguez. The Barcelona-born coach holds a UEFA Pro License (Level 3) and an FA Level 1 in Football (England). He also possesses expertise in sports coaching, earned at Florida Universitaria in Valencia, Spain. Merino has managed several first-division futsal clubs, including Pescados Rubén Burela FS and Barcelona's Esportiu Rubí FS.

In being named as the gaffer, the Spaniard shares, "I am honored to be appointed as the new head coach of the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team. I look forward to working with these players to build a competitive, unified squad ready to excel in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. We are focused on achieving success in the upcoming tournament."

With a spot already assured in the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup, the federation has been doing its part to reflect readiness in the competition. The participation of the team formerly known as the Pinay 5 in Asian Cup qualifying is a key step to gauge their play after their ASEAN campaign.

PFF President John Gutierrez says, "The Asian Cup Qualifiers will be a pivotal moment for our women’s futsal national team, as their performance here will set the tone for our campaign in the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup."

He adds, "In terms of our preparation, I couldn’t be happier with this team we built, headed by our new head coach, Rafa Merino. I think we’ve assembled the best players we can, dedicated players to play for the country and nothing else. As far as preparation goes, I am very optimistic."

Gutierrez concludes, "More than just the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, we would also like to make our mark in the entire Asian Region. That is why we are treating this AFC Women’s Futsal qualifier very seriously by fielding the strongest team possible."

The federation is dedicated to ensuring the successful participation of its Women’s National Futsal Team at the inaugural event, an important milestone that will elevate Philippine futsal on the global stage and inspire thousands of aspiring futsal players in the country.

In addition, they also shared that FIFA has accepted PhilSports Arena and the Victorias City Coliseum in Negros Occidental as venues for the Futsal World Cup.

The Philippines will face Kuwait in their opening match on January 11, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. (PHT), with the remaining matches as follows.

• January 13, 2025 – Philippines vs. Uzbekistan | Monday, 6:00 PM

• January 15, 2025 – Philippines vs. Turkmenistan | Wednesday, 6:00 PM

• January 19, 2025 – Philippines vs. Australia | Sunday, 6:00 PM

Vietnam beats the Philippines, Indonesia wins in AFF Women’s Futsal Championship

c/o Philippine Football Federation

Vietnam officially set up its matchup against Thailand for the 2024 edition of the ASEAN Women's Futsal Championship on Tuesday night, defeating the Philippines, 6-1 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Head coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang highlighted the need to strike first in order to neutralize an expected partisan crowd. However, it was the Philippines that was putting the pressure towards the visitors through their pressing and attack, with Samantha Hughes being tapped to protect the net.

Vietnam did get their shots in, but the Stallion Laguna FC keeper was up to the task to keep things manageable.

They would eventually break through by forcing a turnover. Tran Thi Lan Mai and K’Thua K’Thua double teamed the Philippines’ Lanie Ortillo, eventually getting the ball near the Philippines goal, with the former firing a shot from a sharp angle that got past Hughes.

The Pinay5 would manage to keep it just a one-goal deficit at the break, but Vietnam would eventually pour it on in the second half.

Le Thi Thanh Ngan would double the lead from within the penalty area.

Although Shai del Campo would provide some hope and optimism with her goal off a feed from Hazel Lustan, the visitors would have an immediate answer.

Trinh Nguyen Hang found Nguyen Phoang Anh a minute later to restore the advantage, with the latter flicking the ball past the Filipina defense.

Vietnam would add three more goals before the final whistle: Lan Mai’s second goal that was headed in off a kick in, a scoring run by Tran Thi Thu Xuan where she ran the length of the floor to take an unimpeded shot, and lastly, K’Thua K’Thua’s cut from the outside after a corner kick.

With the victory, Vietnam gets to face off against Thailand in a preview of the final later today.

The defeat means the Philippines cannot lose against Indonesia tonight, as they already own an inferior goal differential against idle Myanmar, -12 to -11. Otherwise, Myanmar will earn the right to face Indonesia for third.

Thailand, Vietnam dominate in second day of AFF Women's Futsal

The Philippines' Alisha Dle Campo battles Thailand's Patitta Moolpho for possession of the ball as Hazel Lustan looks to get into the play. (c/o Philippine Football Federation)

After an opening day of close and intense matches, Day Two of the 2024 AFF Women’s Futsal Championships saw the favorites flex their muscles and rout their respective opponents.

Vietnam came back from a 2-1 deficit to wallop Myanmar with a four-goal second half and a 5-2 win while Thailand crushed the Philippines with a 7-0 victory at the Philsports Arena.

The day began with Vietnam looking to make short work of Myanmar after they scored in the third minute after Thang Hang blasted the ball from outside the penalty area.

Myanmar’s Nang Seng Brim came off the bench to provide much needed dexterity and daring on the pitch to score seven minutes later and whose shot – that rebounded off Vietnamese keeper Ngo Nguyen Thuy Linh – fell the way of an open Sett New Ni for an incredible 2-1 lead that they carried all the way to the halftime break.

It was a different Vietnam that took to the pitch in the second half as they scored barely a minute into the reset for the equalizer. From there it was no looking back Bien Thi Hang’s 1v1 with Burmese keeper Chaw Sandi Aung gave Vietnam a lead they would not relinquish.

Vietnam stymied Nang Sem Brim, and put the game beyond reach via goals from Than Ngan and K’Thua.

“It was a difficult match for us,” said Vietnamese head coach Tran Van Wu who was proud of the way his team fought back. “We didn’t lose our belief and it was a matter of executing our offense.”

Speaking of offense, Thailand kicked in the afterburners when they pummeled the Philippines 7-0.

Switching their offense based on their scouting of Vic Herman’s girls, Vietnam ditched the diagonal runs and moving into spaces that they utilized against Indonesia during their opening day, 1-nil win over Indonesia. This time, through pivot Darika Peanpailun who battled the Philippines’ Isabella Bandoja all the way, as well as Patitta Moolpho who sprayed passes to Paerploy Huajaipetch, Lalida Chimpabut and others.

Sangrawee Meekham pounced on a rebound and blasted it past the Philippines’ valiant keeper Mykaella Abeto for the opening score. Two minutes later, Thailand doubled their lead with a brilliant trick play off a free kick when Peanpailun and Meekham looked to crowd the ball against the smaller Claire Lubetania and Hazel Lustan respectively. 

Right before Sawitree Mamyalee took the shot, Peanpailun and Meekham moved out of the way dragging their defenders leaving Philippine back-up keeper Samantha Hughes open at the net. Mamyalee’s well placed free kick sailed in straight to the right side of the net with Hughes unable to do anything.

From there on, it was a rout. Thailand was up 4-0 at the half after goals Huajaipetch in the 13th minute and Arriya Saetoen in the 17th minute.

Chimpabut (in the 25thminute), Meekham’s brace (29th) and Nattamon Artkla’s goal in the 39th minute as a late substitute gave Thailand two wins in two matches giving them a foot inside the semi-finals door.

The Philippines had their chances to chip away at that lead but the Pinays were unable to finish.

Despite the lopsided loss, Philippines head coach Vic Hermans remained positive. “Past teams would get clobbered in double digits. Even the men’s team lost 22-0 to Thailand. Games like this are good exposure for the girls. We have to play Vietnam and Indonesia and we will give them a good fight.”

Furthermore, despite the tough loss, it was an even bigger crowd of Filipinos that turned out and in spite of the inclement weather. And they cheered up to the end, egging the Pinays to score.

Monday, November 18’s schedule pits Vietnam and Indonesia in the first game at 4pm while Thailand look to cement their spot in the knockout phase when they battle Myanmar at 7pm.

PFF reveals Pinay5 callups for ASEAN tourney

Five of the Pinay5, via the Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine Football Federation officially unveiled its lineup of players set to participate in the ASEAN Women's Futsal Championship, which the country will host in a couple of weeks.

Five members of the Pinay5: Mykaella Abeto, Isabella Bandoja, Jada Bicierro, Cathrine Graversen, and Lanie Ortillo were present at the presser, which was graced by PFF President John Gutierrez.

The other members of the squad are Princess Cristobas, Agot Danton, Alisha del Campo, Louraine Evangelista, Samantha Hughes, Claire Lubetania, Hazel Lustan, Vrendelle Nuera, Althea Rebosura, Kayla Santiago, and Angelica Teves.

The selection was based from the tryouts that took place at Tuloy sa Don Bosco, which concluded this past weekend. The venue will also serve as the camp for the upcoming tournament, which will see the Pinay5 face off against Myanmar on November 16, Thailand on November 17, Vietnam on November 19, and Indonesia on November 20.

Vic Hermans believes that he has assembled the best team possible, noting "The team’s confidence is there and I [see] that." The Dutch gaffer has been at the helm of the team for quite a bit now, having taken the team to a runner-up finish at the PFF Women's Tri-Nation Futsal Invitational last year at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Having been the inaugural MVP of the FIFA Men's Futsal World Cup., Hermans also has served as the mentor of Thailand in their run towards four AFF Futsal Championships a decade ago, which also included a SEA Games gold medal during that stretch.

Vic adds. "Last Friday was the first time that I brought them all together, but most of the team members came from the teams [who played futsal in the] last two years. I gave them all the chances and formed a group of 24, and I saw enough this weekend to select a team."

To be held at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, kickoff times for all the Philippines matches will be at 7pm.

Tickets are already available through TicketMax.

Philippines set to hold first AFF Women’s Futsal Championships

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine Women's Futsal Team has kept themselves busy even with its relative anonymity compared to other sports.

Thanks to the support from the Philippine Football Federation, as well as the Henry Moran Foundation, a pool of players have been training at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, which has since been boosted by the arrival of Vic Hermans as their head coach.

The Dutch futsal coaching legend has guided three countries into the FIFA Futsal World Cup, and is set to lead our Filipinas into play as the hosts for the inaugural edition of the FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup next year.

Fresh from their second-place finish at the PFF Tri-Nations Cup last year, they are ready for the next step of preparations after locking in an automatic berth for next year.

To help get the team ready, the Philippines will be hosting the inaugural AFF Women's Futsal Championship, which will take place at the Philsports Arena on November 16-21.

Said competition is a five-team tournament involving three of the top 25 teams in the FIFA Women's Futsal rankings.

Thailand is sixth overall, followed by Vietnam at eleventh and Indonesia at 24th. Capping the field is Myanmar at 37th.

Ranked 59th, the Philippines will kick off its participation against Myanmar on Opening Day. They follow that with their matchup against Thailand on the 17th.

After the bye, they will proceed to face off against Vietnam on the 19th, and cap off the round robin against Indonesia on the 20th.

All of the matches involving our countrymen will commence at 7pm.

If the team is lucky, they could play on the final day, which is slated to involve the third place game at 4pm and the final at 7pm.

PFF ready for AFF Women's Futsal Championship hosting

c/o PFF

In a few weeks, the Philippine futsal scene gets to major canvas to paint itself, with the inaugural edition of the ASEAN Women's Futsal Championships.

Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez says about the upcoming competition, which will take place at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, "This Asean Women’s Futsal Championships is historic because it is the first ever for the region, and it will be the first ever international tournament under our new administration."

He adds, "With awareness and participation for women’s football at an all-time high, we are continuing the tremendous work that the Filipinas have achieved in the last several years. And with futsal also growing, this hosting of the Asean Women’s Futsal Championship is an exciting follow-up that stands on its own as a precursor to our hosting next year’s FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup."

The tournament will feature four more regional squads who are relative high in the FIFA Futsal rankings: sixth-ranked Thailand, eleventh-ranked Vietnam, 24th-ranked Indonesia, and 37th-ranked Myanmar.

For the 59th-ranked Philippines, it is the latest step to get this team competitive for the inaugural edition of the global competition, slated to take place from November 21 to December 7 next year.

It marks a continued strong projection for the side which the PFF has been investing since 2021 alongside the Henry Moran Foundation. They finished second in the PFF Tri-Nations Women's Futsal Invitational last year, coached by Vic Hermans. The Dutch gaffer been working with the PFF since 2022.

Gutierrez concludes, "We’re incredibly excited to host this tournament. We have seen the country explode in the last decade or so in terms of sports hosting as well as world-class events. We are continuing the work started by previous PFF administrations and hope to make our countrymen, our Asean neighbors, as well as sports fans proud by not only our hosting – of which Filipinos are known for – but also for our national team’s performance."

He also requests, "We invite all football fans, players, coaches, stakeholders to watch this exciting event. Rest assured that we have a top-team working behind the scenes to ensure the success of this Asean Women’s Futsal Championships."

Philippine preparations for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 hosting have commenced

L-R:  FIFA Futsal Manager Laura Cuscó, Director FIFA Tournaments Jaime Yarza, Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez, FIFA Head of Olympics and Futsal and Beach Soccer Kasra Haghighi

The preparations for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025™️ to be held in the Philippines have begun! The FIFA Tournament Team was in Manila during the second week of June to meet with the Philippine Football Federation and lay the groundwork.

 The Philippines was chosen as the host nation of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup last May 15, 2024. The announcement was made at the 74th FIFA Congress that was held in Bangkok, Thailand.

FIFA Director of Tournaments Jaime Yarza disclosed on Friday that the Philippines "is one of the top contenders" in hosting the Futsal Women's World Cup. 

According to Yarza, the other countries that had submitted their bid were Brazil, Spain, and Italy. 

The Philippines' hosting rights were "based mostly about the exceptional work done by the Philippine Football Federation to promote football and futsal and the growing tendency of Filipino girls and kids to play futsal, which I would say were the key elements of giving it to the Philippines," Yarza explained on Friday's presscon organized by PFF. 

"So, in the bidding process, the Philippines came on top of these six to seven nations bidding for the tournament," Yarza added. 

 The Philippines automatically has a slot as the host country. The remaining 15 slots will be filled by three countries each from the member-associations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the South American Football Confederation CONMEBOL; two countries each from the member-associations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf); one country from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC); and four countries from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

 According to the FIFA website, the proposed format will have the 16 teams drawn into groups of four. The two in each group will reach the knock-out phase, in which quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third place play-off and final will ensue.

 Director of FIFA Tournaments Jaime Yarza; FIFA’s Head of Olympics, Futsal and Beach Soccer Kasra Haghighi and Futsal Manager Laura Cuscó met with PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez, General Secretary Angelico Mercader and the PFF team to discuss initial preparations for the inaugural event. They also visited and inspected potential venues. 

 “We need to spread the word that FIFA has trusted us to hold one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez. “This is going to be the first FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup. The men have been successfully doing it for the past 35 years."

 The PFF has invested in all forms of women’s football, including futsal, and has yielded results with the Philippine National Women’s Football Team, the “Filipinas”, qualifying for the country’s first ever FIFA World Cup berth at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™️. Since 2022, the PFF has worked on the development of all forms of the women’s game, and organized and hosted a series of local international women’s futsal tournaments to build on the popularity of the modality of futsal among girls in local public schools and communities.  

 With the help of the Philippine government and the private sector, FIFA and the PFF envision the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2025 to not only boost the popularity of football and futsal in the country. 

“While other teams, other women are dreaming of an opportunity to play in a World Cup, the Philippines had already been listed as a participant. We are the first team to qualify," Gutierrez underscored. 

"This is no small achievement. We are where other women around the world are dreaming of. We have to take advantage of this. We are again given a magnificent opportunity to showcase Filipina talent around the world. We have to spread the word," Gutierrez emphasized. 

The PFF will soon be launching a Road to World Cup campaign to promote futsal across the country. A highlight of this initiative is a national futsal tournament from which potential women’s futsal national team players will be identified.

“We will enjoin the entire country to be part of this momentous and once-in-a-lifetime event. We will promote futsal in schools and communities as this will help us develop our football nationwide. Equally important, we want to discover and hone local talents that can represent our country as members of the national team, who will be a source of pride not just for their respective regions but for the entire country as well,” added Gutierrez.

Lastly, Gutierrez assured that "all Filipinas around the world will be given a chance" to play for the national futsal team.

"It will be a mix of Filipinos who play the game," Gutierrez said on the possible team composition. "But I would like to stress that everyone will be given the same chance and I encourage our locally-developed players to step up and show the world what the Philippine program and way of playing futsal can do."

Three Pinoys partake of Allianz football camp

From L-R: FC Bayern International Coach Thomas Döllner, James Carl Tuazon, Keanne Maicah Alamo, FC Bayern Official Mascot Berni, Fred Angelo dela Peña, and FC Bayern legend and former Croatian international Ivica Olic

43 lucky teenage footballers from across Asia recently got the chance to learn and develop their skills at The Arena in Singapore during The Allianz Explorer Camp Football Edition Asia 2019.

These kids aged between 14-16 were considered as the standouts of their respective qualifiers that took place in China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. They had the privilege to be trained over four days under the tutleage of FC Bayern Munich ambassador and former Croatian international Ivica Olic.

The camp and the presence of the German champions is in line with their long-term partnership, one that has been in place since 2000 and enhanced by the presence of their home stadium, the Allianz Arena, since 2005.

For the Philippines, the two boys and a girl that were selected for this camp came from the Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational, which took place at various location across the country a few months ago. Fred Angelo dela Pena came via Dipolog, James Tuazon is a product of Central Philippines University in Iloilo, while Keanne Alamo is a youth standout who represented the country in the AFC Under-16 Girls Qualifiers last year. 

Outstanding participants from this Explorer Camp will be given the opportunity to represent Asia at the Allianz Global Football Camp in Munich. The chosen eighteen will get to experience training sessions with the FC Bayern Munich youth coaches and potentially have an opportunity to meet select first team players.

Considered as part of the Allianz Global Explorer Program, the camp is designed to empower promising Generation Z youngsters through exposure to football-focused fitness workshops, footwork techniques, technical and tactical skills, and competitive play.

Allianz Asia-Pacific Head of Market Management Center of Excellence Gino Riola shares, "We are proud to play our part in creating an environment for young children across Asia to learn new skills, explore new places, and collaborate with new friends.  Our Allianz regional initiative provides a great foundation for youngsters to enhance their football and team building talents, while gaining new skills and experiences with the technologies of the future.  It goes without saying that the future is bright for the young participants and we look forward to watching them grow."

With Allianz serving as a global sponsor for the Drone Racing League with the Allianz World Championship Season, the camp also features drone racing as part of the global financial services provider's thrust towards embracing future technologies. Three-time world champion Dunkan Bossion will be demonstrating why he is one of the best in his field, and will oversee a hands-on drone-making workshop that would expose the participants to advanced technology.

The Explorer Camp also included presentations on the final day, for high achievers who showed outstanding performance across the four days.

Allianz set for 2019 ANYFI for grassroots futsal

Rei Abrazaldo, Brand Communications and Digital Director, Allianz PNB Life (seated 3rd from right); Kevin Goco, Futsal Head, Philippine Football Federation (seated center); and Danny Moran, Chairman, Henry V. Moran Foundation (seated 3rd from left) during the launch of the Third Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City. They were joined by Davao Football Association, PFF, and Allianz PNB Life officials

Allianz Philippines has remained committed to developing grassroots football in the last few years, with an emphasis towards futsal, which is played on an indoor court.

This year is no different, as they resume their partnership with the Henry V. Moran Foundation and the Philippine Football Federation through the Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational (ANYFI).

The ANYFI aims to encourage youngsters to aspire for excellence in sports, particularly in football through futsal, with the hope and belief that it eventually lead to participation in international competition.

To launch the 2019 edition of the ANYFI, Allianz, PFF, and the HVM Foundation went to Davao to formally launch the program and at the same time help boost the sport no only in the city but also in the rest of Mindanao.

Allianz Philippines Brand Communications and Digital Director Rei Abrazaldo shares, "The sport of football has progressed a lot since we started our futsal invitational three years ago. We have sent our most talented Filipino players in one of the best if not the best football camps in Asia and Europe. Many of them have advanced in their careers getting into the national team and representing the country in games abroad. We have also brought them to train at the FC Bayern training grounds of Sabener Strasse in Munich, Germany, and they have shown that they can indeed play amongst the best young football and futsal players in the world."

Henry V. Moran Foundation Chairman Danny Moran says, "The Philippines is teeming with talents in football. We just need to give our youth the support and venue to further hone their skills and excel in the sport. In the Philippines, this can be easily achieved through futsal, a sport that can be organized and played in gyms. It’s proven across the world that futsal develops better football players, and our experience tells us that futsal is an appropriate development approach for the Philippine setting." The Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to help the youth in public schools across the country through football and futsal.

The Philippine Football Federation expressed full support for this particular private sector initiative, with its Futsal Department Head Kevin Goco remarking, "Our young players’ achievements will not only make their parents, teams, and communities proud; they can likewise make their country proud. We have seen it before and we hope we continue seeing it in the future as the popularity of the sport progresses in the coming years. Futsal is the world’s fastest growing indoor sport, and we feel it has massive potential in engaging more communities, creating world class athletes, and improving lives."

PFF General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes adds, "The PFF is always pleased to see private entities like Allianz and the Henry V. Moran Foundation in helping us grow the sport of futsal in the country.  Allianz’s support is a welcome act by the PFF and we hope that the children who join this tournament will have fun and display their skills and talents throughout the competition.

For the 2019 edition, the ANYFI will have different local and regional qualifiers spread all over the country, wtih the top two teams securing berths into the regional finals in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The schedule is as follows:

Luzon Regional Final Qualifiers (Regional Final is at Calamba on June 29-30)

April 23-24 at Lingayen, Pangasinan
May 8-9 at Muntinlupa
May 25-26 at Angeles City, Pampanga

Visayas Regional Final Qualifiers (Regional Finals is at Bacolod on May 25-26)

April 8-22 at Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
May 2-3 at Iloilo City, Iloilo
May 11-12 at Cebu City, Cebu

Mindanao Regional Final Qualifiers (Regional Finals is at Davao on May 18-19)

April 13-14 at Tubod, Lanao del Norte
May 8-9 at Davao City, Davao del Sur

May 11-12 at Koronadal, South Cotabato

Teams can participate in 14-under (born 2005) or 16-under categories (born on or after September 1, 2002), with each category having boys and girls divisions.

Interested participants can send their completed application form, team registration form, waivers, and supporting documents to futsalinvitational@gmail.com. For further inquiries, one can contact Jesus Montealto at 09950083924.

Aside from team competition aspect, the ANYFI also is looking for outstanding individual players that would be invited to the Allianz Explorer Camp, which is one of the most successful international youth football camps in the world. A select group will take part in the continental camp in Singapore with the opportunity to participate in the main camp in Munich.


Last year's ANYFI eventually yielded a select number of standouts that managed to participate in the Allianz Explorer Camp in Germany, with Juan Miguel Basmayor and Catherine Angelica Bradborn in particular securing medals. In addition, Ivy Tapiz also made the trip to Germany as one of the campers.

Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitiational concludes, eight picked for AJFC

(From Left to Right) Ms. Amor Datinguinoo, Head of Legal, Allianz PNB Life Insurance; Mr. Danny Moran, Chairman of Henry V. Moran Foundation; Mr. John Mar Barsanilla; Mr. Mariano Araneta, President of Philippine Football Federation; Ms. Melona Rafil; Ms. Justine Marie Mamon; Mr. Thorsten Gottfried, Cultural Attache to the Philippines, German Embassy; Mr. Richard Jacob Ernest Songalia II; Dr. Olaf Kliesow, President and Chief Executive Officer of Allianz PNB Life Insurance; Ms. Catherine Angelica Bradborn; Ms. Miyuki Tsukamoto; Ms. Ivy Paster Tapiz; Mr. Juan Miguel Basmayor.

The Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational concluded earlier this month at the Laguna Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, with the champions in the Under-14 and Under-16 divisions being determined for both boys and girls.

Kicking things off were the semifinal matches for each of the divisions.

Hosts Laguna FA claimed the Under-14 boys title over Dipolog FC, while a selection from USPF in Cebu took the girls' title over the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation. In the Under-16 division, Global FC / Pilipinas Dragons defeated a selection from Jaro, Iloilo for the boys' title, while Calvary-Pontevedra of Negros Occidental defeated Cordillera Binnadang FC for the girls' title.


The ANYFI also served as an opportunity to discover new talent, and eight were selected to represent Team Philippines in the Allianz Junior Football Camp set to take place next month in Thailand.

Juan Miguel Basmayor, Global FC / Pilipinas Dragons  - Manila
John Mar Barsanilla, Cam Sur Sports Academy  - Camarines Sur
Jacob Ernest Songalia II, Don Bosco Technical Center - Cebu
Catherine Angelica Bradborn, Luenthai Charity Football School - Pampanga
Miyuki Tsukamoto, Penafrancia United FC - Camarines Sur
Justine Marie Mamon, Calvary Pontevedra FC (NOFA) - Negros Occidental
Ivy Paster Tapiz, ZANDIFA Watashi - Zamboanga Peninsula
Melona Rafil, Calvary Pontevedra FC (NOFA) - Negros Occidental

Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational set for kickoff

With the Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational (ANYFI), the road for a child to make it to Munich and train with Bavarian football powerhouse Bayern Munich is set for this year.

Staged by Allianz PNB Life Insurance, Inc., in partnership with the Henry V. Moran Founation and in coordination with the Philippine Football Federation, the ANYFI will be the venue for which young Pinoys can showcase their skills and impress their way into slots allocated for Filipinos in the Allianz Junior Football Camp (AJFC). Outstanding participants in the AJFC get the chance to train in Munich with Bayern later this year.

The ANYFI kicks off with local eliminations starting April 27 until May 13, with regional tourneys slated between May 19-27. The national finals will take place in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on June 2-3. Each tourney is broken down to Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 division for both boys and girls.

Eight outstanding children will be picked to represent the country at the AJFC, which will take place in Thailand in July. From there, three will be chosen to go to Munich this September for the ultimate experience of training with their idols.

Allianz chief operating officer Alex Grenz shares, "We’re very pleased to be part of this worthwhile national initiative. Through the ANYFI, we’re giving kids the chance to get the best training possible with Bayern Munich and help them pursue their dreams of becoming professionals and national team mainstays someday."

This is the second edition of the ANYFI. Last year produced five standouts that joined the AJFC in Bali, Indonesia. Out of those sessions with Bayern legends Giovane Elber and Klaus Augenthaler, two (JM Mitra and Aeron Tenollar) were selected for the AJFC World Camp in Munich.

The ANYFI schedule is as follows:

Local Eliminations:

Iloilo (April 27-28)
Cebu (April 27-29)
Dipolog (April 28-29)
Baguio (April 30-May 1)
Naga (May 4-5)
Metro Manila (May 5-6)
Davao (May 5-6)
Cagayan de Oro (May 5-6 / 12-13)
Bacolod (May 16-17)

The Regional tournaments are as follows:

Luzon (May 19-20 at Sta. Cruz, Laguna)
Visayas (May 25-26 at Bacolod)
Mindanao (May 26-27 at Davao)