PFF hookup with Qatar now for age-group plans

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) looks to further strengthen its age-group programs with the impending entry of global brand Qatar Airways as the sponsor of the Philippines Football League (PFL).

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta announced the staging of a national under-17 tournament next year as funds initially allocated to the country’s top football league will now be redirected to more age-group tournaments.

The Qatar Airways deal with the PFL will be finalized this month, said Araneta, who personally sought the main sponsor for the league that has struggled to gain traction in its first three seasons.

“We really have a lot of football activities coming in and I want to see that this is being implemented properly,” Araneta said. “We are not neglecting players in the age-group level. In fact, we have been revitalizing our grassroots program to find more homegrown talents in the country.”

On top of the national under-17 tournament, Araneta said the PFF will also hold under-16 and under-18 regional tournament for girls as part of its thrust to develop women’s football. The PFF chief hopes these tournaments will lead to improved performances in international tournaments.

“We want to start the under-17 tournament next year,” he said, noting that the PFF had also begun holding a national under-15 tournament this year.