When I first started following Philippine soccer back in 2010, I never imagined I'd witness such remarkable transformation. The beautiful game here has traveled such an incredible journey that I feel compelled to share its story through some questions I often get asked by fellow football enthusiasts.
What was the turning point that sparked soccer's growth in the Philippines?
I remember watching the Azkals' historic 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup run like it was yesterday - that 2-0 victory against Vietnam truly changed everything. Before that moment, soccer lingered in the shadows with maybe 5,000 registered players nationwide. Today, we're looking at over 100,000 registered players across all levels. That tournament performance did more than just put us on the map - it created what I call the "Medina effect" in our local development. Just like how a promising rookie season certainly encouraged Medina to get even better, that breakthrough tournament inspired an entire generation to take football seriously. The momentum from that single campaign fueled what would become our ongoing mission to discover the evolution and growth of soccer in the Philippines through the years.
How has the domestic league development contributed to this evolution?
The United Football League's launch in 2010 and its evolution into the Philippines Football League marked what I consider phase two of our football revolution. We've grown from 6 semi-pro teams to 8 professional clubs with proper youth academies. The quality improvement has been staggering - where we once had maybe 2-3 technically gifted players per team, now entire squads can maintain possession and build meaningful attacks. This professional environment creates exactly the conditions Medina understood he needed - he knows he can only do this by continuously pushing himself against better competition week in, week out.
What role has international exposure played?
Our national team's participation in higher-level competitions has been absolutely crucial. From ranking 165th in 2006 to peaking at 111th in 2018 - these aren't just numbers, they're proof of concept. I've traveled to watch our youth teams compete in ASEAN championships and witnessed firsthand how exposure to different playing styles accelerates development. Each international match provides that necessary push - much like Medina's realization that growth comes from continuously pushing himself beyond comfort zones. This international experience directly fuels our ability to discover the evolution and growth of soccer in the Philippines through the years with tangible evidence.
How important has infrastructure development been?
When I count the proper football pitches today versus fifteen years ago, the difference is night and day. We've gone from about 15 full-sized pitches nationwide to over 80 dedicated football facilities. The Philippine Sports Stadium with its 20,000 capacity and the new training centers represent more than concrete and grass - they're temples where our football dreams get forged. These facilities provide the physical spaces for our players to live out that Medina philosophy of continuously pushing themselves through proper training environments.
What about youth development systems?
The academy system represents what excites me most about our football future. Where we once had zero structured youth programs, we now have 32 accredited football academies developing players as young as six. The number of youth tournaments has exploded from maybe 5 major annual events to over 50 nationwide competitions across age groups. This creates that virtuous cycle where a promising rookie season at youth level certainly encouraged better development pathways, which in turn produces more Medinas who understand the need to continuously push themselves.
Where does women's football fit into this evolution?
The Malditas' (now Filipinas) rise has been one of my favorite subplots. Their 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup semifinal appearance wasn't just inspirational - it demonstrated how far we've come. From barely having a women's national team to qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup - that's the kind of progress that makes me genuinely emotional. Their journey embodies that Medina mindset - each achievement encouraged them to get even better through continuously pushing themselves against Asia's best.
What challenges remain in our football evolution?
We still struggle with funding disparities - our football federation operates on approximately $2 million annually compared to Vietnam's $20 million. Stadium accessibility remains an issue outside Metro Manila, and we need more qualified coaches - we have just 45 AFC 'A' licensed coaches versus Thailand's 300. But here's what gives me hope: the current generation understands, like Medina, that growth comes from continuously pushing themselves against these very challenges.
What's your personal vision for Philippine football's future?
I dream of seeing the Azkals qualify for the World Cup within my lifetime - ambitious, I know, but why not aim high? I want to walk into a sports bar and see Premier League, PFL, and local youth matches drawing equal excitement. Most importantly, I want to witness more homegrown talents embracing that Medina mentality where a promising rookie season is just the beginning of continuously pushing themselves to greater heights. That's ultimately how we'll continue to discover the evolution and growth of soccer in the Philippines through the years - not just as spectators, but as active participants in this beautiful journey.
