The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has appointed Mr. Reiji Hirata as Head of Youth Football Development for the next two years.
Coach Hirata was nominated by the Japan Football Association (JFA) upon a request from the Philippine Football Federation.
Mr. Hirata holds a JFA ‘A’ Coaching License, which is equivalent to an AFC ‘A’ Coaching License. Prior to his appointment by PFF, the 42-year-old football coach has worked closely with the Chinese Taipei Football Association (CTFA) Technical Department and served as interim head coach of the Chinese Taipei National Team as well as head coach of Chinese Taipei Boys Under-13 and Under-15 teams.
Mr. Hirata is expected to help strengthen the youth football development programs in the country. In addition, Mr. Hirata will work closely with the PFF Technical Department in formulating policies for establishment and accreditation of football academies and centers of excellence as well as in the adoption of the Youth Football Training Manual.
“This country has a population of 100 million with an average age of 23. People here take great care of their family, love festivals, and football has been very popular recently. This diversity is a strength that we can expand on. Working together with the PFF President Mr. Araneta and everyone involved, I will do my best to develop the youth and help football in the Philippines moving forward,” said Hirata in a statement released in the JFA website.
“We thank the Japan Football Association for sending Mr. Reiji Hirata to serve as the PFF Head of Youth Development,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta. “We look forward to working with Mr. Hirata in improving the performance of the Philippine National Youth Teams and enhancing a formal youth football development plan.”