Philippine futsal breaks ground in San Juan

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan City, long known for its compact urban landscape, has found a new way to embrace the beautiful game. Without the luxury of sprawling football pitches, the city is turning its wooden indoor gymnasiums spread across the barangays into fertile ground for futsal, or indoor football.

On a rainy Saturday afternoon, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the City Government of San Juan and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) launched the city’s first-ever Futsal Developmental Program, opening doors for thousands of young San Juaneños to discover and develop their potential in the sport.

Leading the ceremony were San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez, who together turned over futsal goals and balls to jumpstart the grassroots initiative. The PSC donated 20 sets of goals and 120 futsal balls, ensuring that all 21 barangays of San Juan will benefit from the program.

“This is what we want: LGUs collaborating with PSC and the NSA. Stronger partnerships mean stronger programs. Kung tumataya ang PSC, gusto namin tumaya din ang LGU. Mas stronger ang collaboration kapag ganyan ang usapan,” said Gregorio.

The launch drew 125 kids who participated in clinics and friendly competitions.