SURIGAO CITY – A new home for young Surigaonon footballers is on the way, as the city broke ground on a new football pitch in Barangay Sukailang.
The facility, developed through the support of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), FIFA, and the Surigao del Norte-Dinagat Islands Regional Football Association (SNADIRFA), will give young players a dedicated venue to train, play, and sharpen their skills.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez, who led the groundbreaking alongside PFF Executive Committee Member for Mindanao Stephen Gorgonio, said the project reflects the Federation’s commitment to bringing football closer to communities across the country.
“Quality facilities are the foundation of player development,” Gutierrez said. “When young players have a proper pitch close to home, they train more, they play more, and they dream bigger. We are glad to support Surigao City in building this for its children.”
He added that the PFF will continue working with local governments and partners to expand access to the sport.
“Talent exists in every corner of the Philippines. Our job is to make sure it has a place to grow, and projects like this bring us closer to that goal,” Gutierrez said.
SNADIRFA President Romnick Echin told pff.org.ph that the new pitch offers “hope” for a “brighter future” for Surigao’s young players.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine Football Federation under the leadership of President John Gutierrez,” Echin said.”May this facility become a home for grassroots football, youth development, local competitions, and future champions who will proudly represent Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, and the Philippines.”
Surigao City Mayor Paul Dumlao said the project is about giving young people room to grow.
“Today, we officially broke ground for the Artificial Football Turf Ground in Barangay Sukailang,” Mayor Dumlao said in a mix of Cebuano and English. “Soon, our young football players will have a dedicated facility where they can train, play, and prepare for bigger opportunities in the world of football.”
He thanked PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez, FIFA, PFF, and SNADIRFA for their partnership.
“Thank you for believing in Surigao and in the potential of our young athletes,” he said.
Mayor Dumlao said he looks forward to seeing the city’s youth play and practice at the venue. “Who knows? This may be where the journey of our future football stars begins, the ones who will represent Surigao in national and international competitions.”
(Photo from Surigao City councilor Arnold Go)
