CFA kicks off extensive training for Cebu elite team

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Football Association (CFA) has kicked off the training of the 36-member Cebu elite team as part of its selection process for potential members of the national training pool that will banner the country’s campaign in the 2010 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) this June.

The Queen City of the South is privileged enough to be chosen as the pilot area for the10-year plan, which is in line with AFC-Vision Asia’s objective of improving the quality and level of football in RP. Also, Vision Philippines wants to promote football to the younger generation and teach them the fundamentals of the sport at a young age.

Among those who joined the training camp yesterday at Aboitiz Sports Field were the best players of the different teams that joined the Aboitiz Cup.

“We selected the best of the best players in the city who joined the Aboitiz Cup that’s why all the schools and teams were really represented. We are glad that we’re the first one to have this project, which is a positive indication for the Cebu football community,” said CFA President Richard Montayre.

Vision Philippines plans to stage a premier league dubbed as “Home and Away” in March for the elite teams in the Visayas and Mindanao region. The top performers will then be pitted with the best clubs from Luzon. The overall winner will be sent to the AFC tournament in June in Sabah, Malaysia.

“Cebu will compete against teams from neighboring provinces in the region then the athletes will be chosen to form part of the national training pool for the AFC tournament, ” said CFA secretary-general Bro. Mari Aberasturi.

The equipment used during the training was given by the Australian Football Federation as part of its commitment to help the Cebu football community.

The key targets of Vision Philippines’ 10-year development program includes football association administration, clubs and competition, grassroots and youth, referees and coaches education.

CFA will extend its program to northern and southern part of Cebu.

“We would also like to extend this program to the grassroots level especially in the provinces where there are also potential players and at the same time they will be given opportunity to be trained,” said Montayre.

The coaches’ education will also be done this year where they will be holding introductory coaching and certification courses.

“This is indeed a big break for Cebu football. There are lots of potential athletes who could represent the country here. There’s no reason of going down as we’re heading forward and always up,” said Paref-Springdale coach Mario Ceniza.

The Philippines is the 12th and latest recipient of Vision Asia’s program, with Cebu as the 25th city to be assessed. — Marigold P. Lebumfacil   (FREEMAN NEWS)