Cooper named PFF acting technical head

Philippine Azkals coach Scott Cooper will have hands full as he has been appointed acting technical director of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta has submitted Cooper’s appointment to the Asian Football Confederation, filling the position left by Aris Caslib, who now works as Federation Internationale de Football Association technical consultant for the Southeast Asian region.

Cooper’s new role will see him lead all the development units of the federation that includes grassroots, competitions, youth, women’s, referees, coaches’ education, beach football and futsal.

Together with Azkals team manager Dan Palami, Cooper spearheaded the initiative to put up an Azkals development team, which allows the PFF to take in the finest young talents and train them in a more professional environment.

“We trust coach Scott can come up with the programs not just for the national team but other programs as well,” Araneta said.

Palami is confident that Cooper’s appointment will help further streamline the other development programs in the federation.

Before taking the Azkals job, Cooper had worked with several youth teams in England, including that of Premier League club Leicester City. INQ