MANILA, Philippines - Chelsea FC announced bigger plans for its football school program in the Philippines, which the EPL club has set in motion with a special summer camp in partnership with The Younghusband Football Academy (TYFA).
Chelsea’s managing director for Asia Pacific Adrian New said the club’s collaboration with TYFA of Azkals stars and AKTV football ambassadors Phil and James Younghusband is for the long-term and this includes construction of facilities.
“Part of Chelsea’s program is to develop long-term relationships (with partners in various countries),” said New during the formal launch of the Chelsea Soccer School Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia also attended by Chelsea’s international development manager Ian Woodroffe, the Younghusbands and AKTV Sports manager Vito Lazatin.
“We’re looking forward to developing new programs and try to help build new facilities here. Hopefully, we can help develop players for the national side,” he added.
Chelsea officials said they will be bringing over coaches and some players to the school and “at some point in the future, maybe the club itself to play a friendly in Manila.”
Phil and James, who host a segment on AKTV called “FYI: Football Younghusband Instructional,” joined kids in fun-filled activities marking the launch and led the awarding of certificates to the participants of the camp.
Products of the Chelsea Football Academy in England themselves, the Fil-British brothers have been sharing their know-how in the beautiful game to kids throughout the country since 2009 through their TYFA. The next step is to undergo training under the auspices of the famed English club to formally become coaches and be eligible to teach.
“The last three years have seen a steady growth in Phl football and the challenge now is to sustain it. That’s why we’re focusing on grassroots program and local league development,” said Phil.
“It would be great if future member of the national team Azkals will come from Chelsea Soccer School Phl,” he added, thanking Chelsea FC and AKTV for making the partnership, which he called a “milestone for Phl football,” possible.