Aguilas tackle Korea next

Slow and steady, steady and slow. That’s the only way to go. The nursery rhyme sums up the gradual growth of the American Tackle Football Association of the Philippines (ATFAP), which is taking constant substantial steps in growing the sport in the country. Initially an aggrupation of athletes from other sports like rowing, basketball and mixed martial arts, the team has, for the past months, been evolving, including more and more players with actual experience in the sport.

Last year, the team had a great learning experience hosting the Western Australia Raiders, a selection of experienced tackle football players from a high-profile league from Down Under. That first international friendly gave the ATFAP a starting point from which to determine how to further grow the sport in the Philippines.

“We really just have to keep getting better,” admits ATFAP head Dodi Palma. “The Australia game showed us what we need to do, and how to strengthen the program. We’re very lucky to have these kinds of games early in our development of the national program.”

Despite the record-setting ratings of Super Bowl 49, tackle football is still a niche sport in the country. It has a rapidly-growing support system in other operations of the sport, like flag football and frisbee, and is getting noticed for its early accomplishments. Like the World Cup qualifier against Asian juggernaut Japan last year. What is important now is to make real progress, form a team that will continue to be competitive in the years to come, as word of mouth makes recruiting easier. So far, the ATFAP has made all the right moves while waiting for the team’s skill and experience to increase with more exposure.

On Feb. 28, the national training pool will take on a tough, veteran squad in the Korea Tigers at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill in Bonifacio Global City. It is a game that both teams are excited to play.

“This is an event which benefits both programs,” says Tigers coach Lawrence Bowlby. The Aguilas get the opportunity to play VS an experienced Asian team, while we get the opportunity to piggy-back on the rising popularity of football in Manila, which can help our program. Not only that, the chance to play an international game is an awesome experience for our guys, and makes our program more attractive to recruits. Furthermore, as an international friendly game, the Phil-Kor Cup offers an opportunity for positive cultural exchange and friendship between Korea and the Philippines.”

Generally, these events are exchange games between the two teams, meaning that, like Western Australia, the Aguilas will have to travel to the opponents’ home field in the near future. That will be the Filipinos’ next challenge. Right now, they are hastily soliciting sponsorships for the needs for the practices and games, such as a shuttle bus for the visitors, water and food for game day itself. Beyond that, they will be banking on the vocal support of local fans who have steadily embraced the game and the team in this new, fast-paced sport.

The Tigers, for their part, are likewise thrilled to be playing out of their country. They’ve heard a lot about the Philippines, and many will be first-time visitors.

“It will be a great experience for me and my team. I have gained 14 lbs this winter, and it is time to prove my ability VS the Philippines national team,” says veteran Seungchan Lee. “Our team has worked hard to prepare for this game, and I expect to win. I hope this game becomes an annual event.”

“I expect our players will get good experience from playing a non-Korean team, and this game versus the Aguilas can help the interest in football grow in Korea,” adds teammate Sangwon Yoon.

The growing Korean community in Metro Manila is expected to come out in force to support the team, or the Aguilas are hoping their own home crowd will support them in even greater number this time around. The game would not have been made possible without the support of the Philippine Sports Commission and sponsors like Skippy’s bar and restaurant and Aguila glass.

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