James Younghusband gives back, mentors women’s SEA Games team

On a hiatus from football since suiting up for the Philippines in the AFC Asian Cup in January, Azkals legend James Younghusband is keen on doing his share to help the country in its quest for glory in the Southeast Asian Games.

Younghusband, who has scored 12 goals in 101 appearances for the Philippines, will be taking on an advisory role for the SEA Games-bound women’s team of coach Let Dimzon.

“I’m quite excited,” Younghusband told the Inquirer.

“This is my way, since I’m taking a break from playing, to give back to Philippine football and I think I can give and pass on some good words to the girls and help them out.”

James and younger brother, Phil, made their debuts for the Philippines in the 2005 SEA Games in Bacolod, which incidentally was the last time the country hosted the biennial meet.

James, who last played against Kyrgyzstan in the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, is looking forward to sharing his experiences with the Azkals to the women’s team, which is also preparing for the AFF Women’s Championships in Chonburi, Thailand.

“I think there’s so much potential with the girls and the staff,” he said.

“I’m going to share my experience and probably tell my story that I only played in one SEA Games. We missed out on an opportunity to play in another one although I was still eligible at that time. What I’m trying to stress is that you really have to make the most out of the opportunity to play in the SEA Games.”