Azkals moving from Rizal to Laguna?

MANILA, Philippines – It looks like the men’s Philippine football team may have a new home base soon.

On Wednesday, December 26, the official Twitter account of the Azkals tweeted a link to an article on the Philippine Football Federation’s plans to possibly build an artificial turf field at Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The article on the Philippine Star said the project will be funded by the Goal Project of FIFA, the International Football Federation. This, after original plans to use those funds and turn Rizal Memorial Stadium’s grass field to turf fell through, following a disagreement over its control between the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the PFF.

The PFF has since eyed other alternative sites where they could use the FIFA funds to build a turf pitch.

“If FIFA approves the transfer and the project pushes through, we’ll also build a training center for our national team there,” PFF President Nonong Araneta was quoted as saying.

Bright future

Another football field with artificial turf had also just reached completion in McKinley Hill, the new home of the country’s football league, the United Football League.

Santi Araneta, Chairman of the Football Alliance, tweeted on Wednesday a photo of the completed pitch with the message, “McKinley Hill football field is complete! Home of the UFL!” adding that he would try to get it ready to play on by January.

Meanwhile, Azkals head coach Michael Weiss thanked the team’s fans for supporting them in the year 2012.

In his Christmas message, Weiss vowed that the future is bright for the sport in the country.

“I always said that the best for the Philippine football has yet to come and I am 100% convinced that we will be stronger in the next years and a football nation to be taken seriously,” he said.

“With the combined efforts of all stakeholders in the country and going in one direction, I am sure we will bring joy and glory to the wonderful country of the Philippines.” – Rappler.com