The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) celebrated the AFC Grassroots Football Day all over the country last 12 May 2018.
The AFC Grassroots Day is an annual event celebrated across Asia and is part of the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Vision and Mission to reinforce its commitment to further develop grassroots football all over Asia.
First initiated by AFC in 2013, the AFC Grassroots Football Day is celebrated across Asia and has seen a record 41 AFC Member Associations participate by conducting grassroots events.
Over 2,000 kids participated in the grassroots events held by the Regional Football Associations in Iloilo, North Cotabato, Davao, Iligan, Pagadian, Cebu, Laguna, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Oriental Mindoro, Tarlac, Butuan, Agusan del Sur, Camarines Norte, Davao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Benguet.
The key venues were the Laguna Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna and the MSU Marawi Campus in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, which was ravaged by conflict last year.
PFF officials hailed the grassroots events all over the country as it solidifies the PFF’s objective of uplifting the sport.
“Grassroots football is the nucleus of footballing success at all levels. The PFF aims to enhance the footballing landscape in the country and to build a promising future for all young and aspiring football players,” said PFF general-secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “A strong grassroots program is a key factor for football to succeed.”