Global FC to boost youth football in Cebu
WHEN Global FC played its AFC Presidents Cup Group B qualifiers in Cebu three years ago, the Cebuano football community rolled out the red carpet.
Three years later, Cebu and Global FC are set to make a more permanent partnership and this time on an even grander scale. Global FC, which is set to make Cebu its home for the Philippine Football League, is also preparing for its stint in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League—a first for a Filipino club.
And the off-field preparation is as difficult as the on-field competition. Global FC, the UFL's most successful side with three leagues and two Cups triumphs, is joining Asia's biggest club competition-the Champions League--after its latest triumph in the UFL.
“Clubs have to go through stringent club licencing requirements before be- ing allowed to participate... We have to have medical reports, fitness test results, doctors, stadium evacuation plans, CSR, youth players and coaches lineup etc...the checklist is several pages long," said team owner Dan Palami, who is no stranger to complying with requirements being a businessman and the manager of the men's senior national team popularly known as the Azkals.
Global FC's compliance with the requirements is seen to boost Cebu football as part of the requirement is a three-toseven year program aimed at the youth.
“The off-pitch exercise is as demanding, if not more, than the actual game,” he said,
Aside from showing proof of the program's progress and medical reports, the club will also be required to show how the youth team are doing academically also, a requirement that could alleviate fears of some parents who may think that being part of the club's youth program could have a negative impact on their kids' studies.
Unlike in their first stint in Cebu, Global FC wants a long-time partnership with Cebu and is aiming to be an powerhouse in Asia in club-football.
“Cebu will play a big part in our vision to be an Asian powerhouse at club level in all age groups," Palami said.
The club is now finalizing terms for their transfer with the Cebu Football Association but this early, it is planning to send youth teams to international tournaments like the Gothia Cup and other international tournaments.
“Unlike before, when we asked Cebu-based players to come to Manila, this time, training will be done in Cebu with coaches flying over and staying in Cebu," said Palami. (PR)