Talent Identification Guidelines and Progression
In line with the structured development pathway for Filipino football players, the Regional Football Association (RFA) shall be responsible for the initial conduct of regional try-outs and talent identification activities.
Only those players who have been properly evaluated and endorsed at the regional level shall be considered for inclusion in the National Talent Identification Program.
This approach ensures a systematic and merit-based selection process, promoting equal opportunities for players across all regions.
A. Objective
- Select top-performing players to represent the country in international competitions based on performance, fitness, and eligibility.
- Discover individuals with potential for future training and development.
- Ensure a fair, transparent, and organized selection process.
- The purpose of this document is to establish clear, transparent, and consistent criteria for the selection of players to represent the Philippine Football Federation in official training camps, competitions, and other representative events.
B. Eligibility
- Must reside in the region or be a student of a school located within the region.
- Age category must align with the competition (U15 up to U23 for Boys and Girls).
- Philippine Passport
- Valid ID (e.g. school ID, government-issued ID)
- Medical clearance
- Parental consent (for minors)
- Waivers
- If a citizen of another country with Filipino heritage through parents.
- Philippine Passport
- Valid ID (e.g. school ID, government-issued ID)
- Medical clearance
- Parental consent (for minors)
- Waivers
C. Regional Tryouts
Regional tryouts will be conducted with the presence of Regional Coaches assigned by the PFF, RFA, or designated talent scouts in the region.
b. Announcement & Registration
- Publish official tryout dates, venue, and requirements.
- Set up an online or on-site registration form.
c. Equipment & facilities
- Marked football field (standard or adjusted size based on age)
- Training equipment: cones, bibs, balls, goals, first aid kit
- Refreshments and shaded waiting areas
- Ambulance and standby medical team
d. Staffing
- RFA Head Coach / RFA Technical Director
- Assistant Coaches
- Goal Keeper Coach
- Strength and conditioning Coach
- Physiotherapist / medical personel
- Admin / Secretariat
- Videographer/photographer
e. Schedule
- Regional tryouts will be conducted twice annually in the months of March and September, unless otherwise adjusted by the PFF or RFA due to competition schedules, weather conditions, or other justified reasons.
- The official calendar of tryouts will be published at least two months in advance to give players and coaches ample preparation time.
D. Try out Flow
a. Orientation
- Confirmation of Registration
- Distribution of bib with designated number
- Quick briefing of objectives, criteria and code of conduct
b. Warm-up
- Stretching / dynamics
- Agility drills
- Basic coordination movements
c. Skills Assessment
- Passing accuracy
- Ball control
- Dribbling
- Shooting
- Defensive positioning
- Juggling
- Decision making
- Goal keeping
d Small-Sided scrimmage
- 5v5 or 8v8 games to assess game intelligence, teamwork, and decision-making
e. Full 11-a-side Game (if applicable)
- Implement 11v11 match to observe player performance in a real game environment
Criteria
Description
Technical Skills
Ball control, dribbling, passing, shooting
Game Intelligence
Positioning, decision-making, game awareness
Physical Potential
Speed, agility, strength, stamina, endurance
Winning Mentality
Coachability, passion, hunger, commitment, work ethic, resilience
Emotional Stability
Focused on game, ability to spend long periods away from family
F. Post-Tryout
a. Deliberation
- Coaches, Talent ID officer and other evaluators performance discussion
- Selections are based on merit, performance, and potential.
- Equal opportunity will be given to all eligible players regardless of background.
- Final decisions rest with the appointed selection committee and coaching staff.
b. Announcement
- Release of selected players
- Inform about next steps (training schedules, uniforms, parental meetings)
c. Feedback
- Optional but recommended: it is highly encouraged to give constructive feedback to non-selected participants, highlighting specific areas for development.
- Players not selected may request feedback but cannot appeal decisions unless procedural errors occurred.
- Emergency call-ups may occur in case
G. Other Consideration
- Submit a clear and high-quality video of the selected players to the PFF Talent Identification Department or the PFF Secretariat.
- Safety and injury prevention must be prioritized.
Budget Allocation
- A specific budget shall be allocated annually for the conduct of regional tryouts, covering expenses for venue rental, equipment, staffing, medical services, refreshments, and administrative needs.
- RFAs must submit a proposed budget to the PFF for review and approval at least two months prior to the scheduled tryout.
- Disbursement and liquidation of funds shall follow PFF’s finance department policies and audit requirements.
Inclusion to National Team Inspection Camp
A. Scouting and Monitoring:
A pool of potential players will be monitored regularly through league games, tournaments, and training camps.
B. Evaluation by Technical Staff:
Head coach, assistant coaches, and technical analysts will assess player data and performances.
C. Selection Committee Review:
Final selections will be validated by the National Team Selection Committee.
D. Announcement:
A final list of selected players will be released publicly ahead of the international competition.
H. Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure relevance and effectiveness.