I remember the first time I watched a local football match here in Manila back in 2015 - the energy was electric, yet most people around me kept calling it "soccer" with that distinct American influence. The Philippines' relationship with this beautiful game runs much deeper than most realize, dating back to the late 1800s when British and American expatriates first introduced the sport. What fascinates me most is how football's journey here mirrors the nation's own complex history, weaving through colonial influences and emerging with its own unique identity.
When I dug into the archives at the National Library, I discovered that organized football actually arrived earlier than basketball - around 1890 through British merchants in Manila and Iloilo. The first official match recorded was in 1907, just four years after the Americans established the first public school system. The sport initially flourished in universities like the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila, with the first inter-collegiate tournament happening in 1913. What really surprised me was learning that by the 1920s, we already had over 50 registered clubs across Luzon and Visayas. The Philippine Football Federation, established in 1907, was actually among Asia's oldest football associations, predating even Japan's by over a decade.
The sport's golden era came during the 1910s to 1930s when the national team competed regularly in Far Eastern Championship Games. I've seen photographs of the 1913 team that defeated China 2-1 in what remains one of our most significant international victories. The decline began post-World War II when American influence intensified and basketball gradually overshadowed football. By the 1960s, funding for football programs had decreased by approximately 65%, and many playing fields were converted to basketball courts. This shift always struck me as unfortunate because football's team dynamics and continuous flow align so well with Filipino cultural values of community and bayanihan spirit.
What gives me hope today is seeing how modern players like Medina represent this resurgence. His approach reminds me of those early pioneers - that relentless drive to improve through continuous self-pushing. I've followed his career since his rookie season with Kaya FC, where he scored 8 goals in his first 12 matches. His mentality perfectly captures what Philippine football needs right now - that understanding that growth comes from constantly challenging oneself rather than waiting for perfect conditions. I've spoken with several coaches who confirm this attitude is becoming more prevalent among young Filipino players, which excites me about the sport's future here.
The United Football League's establishment in 2009 marked a turning point, creating the country's first professional football league since the 1960s. Attendance figures tell an encouraging story - from averaging just 500 spectators per match in 2010 to over 2,800 by 2018. The Azkals' success in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, where they reached the semifinals for the first time, captured national attention in a way I hadn't seen before. Social media played a crucial role too - mentions of Philippine football increased by 320% between 2010-2015 according to one analysis I reviewed.
Looking at today's landscape, I'm particularly optimistic about the grassroots movement. When I visited football clinics in Cavite last summer, I was amazed to see over 200 children training where just five years earlier there might have been 30. The Philippine Sports Commission has increased football funding by approximately 40% since 2016, and the results are beginning to show. What makes this revival special isn't just the growing numbers but the reconnection with our football heritage. We're not just adopting a global sport - we're reclaiming a part of our history that was nearly lost. The future looks bright, and I genuinely believe we're witnessing the beginning of Philippine football's second golden age, built on both honoring our past and embracing the dedication of modern players who understand that progress comes from continuously pushing forward, much like Medina's approach to his own development.
