ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — The Philippine Football Federation (PFF), in close partnership with the Rizal Provincial Government and the Football Association of Rizal (FA Rizal), conducted a PFF Futsal Clinic in the province of Rizal on January 25 at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
The activity served as a collaborative grassroots initiative that brought together national and regional football leaders, local government officials, coaches, parents, and young players in a shared effort to expand access to futsal and strengthen its development at the community level.
The clinic forms part of the nationwide legacy program of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025, building on the momentum generated by the country’s hosting of the inaugural tournament last November to December. Through sustained partnerships with local government units and regional football associations, PFF seeks to translate the World Cup’s impact into long-term participation, systematic talent identification, and the development of future futsal national team players across the country.
A total of 110 children and teenage players from across Rizal took part in the clinic, undergoing structured drills and futsal sessions conducted by the PFF Coaching Department.
The sessions were led by Philippine women’s national futsal team assistant coach and PFF Coaches Education Program Operations Manager Jeffrey de Castro—a native of Cainta, Rizal—together with local FA Rizal coaches and Filipina5 players Vrendelle Nuera, Bhebhe Lemoran, and Regine Rebosura.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said the Antipolo clinic represents a concrete step in ensuring that the World Cup legacy reaches communities nationwide.
“Hosting the first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup gave us belief. What matters now is what we do after,” said Gutierrez. “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.”
Gutierrez emphasized that futsal’s accessibility makes it a powerful grassroots tool.
“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.
Rizal Provincial Sports Development Coordinator Buddy Arabit welcomed the partnership with the PFF and underscored the wider social impact of grassroots sports programs.
“We are very lucky here in Rizal Province to have this program. We are striving to become champions in futsal and football, and we thank the PFF for this support,” said Arabit. “This is important not just for sport, but to give our children a healthy diversion from gadget addiction and from the lure of illegal drugs.”
Rizal Provincial Board Member JP Bautista highlighted the value of introducing young Filipinos to sports beyond traditional choices.
“Usually, we choose basketball or volleyball. This clinic opens new options, especially for students in elementary and high school,” said Bautista. “Let this inspire you. Work hard, and I believe you will succeed. The Rizal Provincial Government supports each of you.”
Speaking on behalf of Rizal District 1 Congresswoman Mia Ynares, Chief of Staff Ross Glenn Gongora pointed to the province’s readiness to support futsal.
“We now have many covered courts in Rizal, which are perfect for futsal,” said Gongora. “Congresswoman Mia Ynares fully supports futsal, and we hope that future clinics will fill venues like the Ynares Center, with Rizal youth dreaming of becoming national team players.”
Rizal District 2 Congressman Dino Tanjuatco emphasized futsal’s suitability for local communities.
“Futsal started from playing football in small spaces. You don’t need tall players or big gyms—even a basketball court can be used,” said Tanjuatco. “That’s why futsal and football have big potential for Filipinos, and why programs like this are so important.”
Representing the PFF Executive Committee, Belay Fernando highlighted the essence of the World Cup legacy.
“Hosting the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup was historic, but the real task is the legacy,” said Fernando. “Legacy means giving young players the chance to dream, to play in venues like the Ynares Sports Arena, and to build lasting relationships through sport.”
FA Rizal General Secretary Kristine Francisco expressed optimism about Rizal’s role in futsal development.
“Rizal has many covered courts that can cater to futsal, and we want to maximize these spaces,” said Francisco. “We have already produced national players, and we believe we can produce more. With the PFF’s strong focus on grassroots, we can help our players compete at the same level internationally.”
FA Rizal youth coach Michael Angelo Icawalo credited consistent grassroots work for the province’s steady growth.
“Our growth in Rizal is steady because our coaches focus on the children,” said Icawalo. “The level of competitiveness is increasing, and we hope to send more players to the national team in the future.”
For the young participants, the clinic provided both learning and inspiration. Eleven-year-old Daniela Moreno of Janssenville Elementary School in Cainta said she was excited to be part of the program.
“I like futsal, and I’m happy we were invited here,” said Moreno. “I enjoyed the passing and the drills, and I want to become a player like Ronaldo and Messi.”
Filipina5 players also stressed the importance of sustaining grassroots efforts. “Nakaka-proud sila kasi pinupursigi nilang matuto,” said Rebosura.
Lemoran added, “Sana tuloy-tuloy ang grassroots. Baka sa future may mga batang galing dito na makapaglaro internationally.”
Nuera noted that futsal continues to grow nationwide, “hindi lang sa NCR, pati sa provinces.”
The PFF Futsal Clinic is a continuing series of FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup legacy initiatives aimed at expanding participation, deepening grassroots engagement, and building a sustainable future for futsal across the Philippines.
