Global eyes more success on, off the pitch

ALREADY one of the biggest clubs in the country, United Football League champion Global has mapped out several programs that it hopes will lead to sustained success and improve relations with communities.

Club president Dan Palami yesterday said the aim is for Global making its presence felt not only on the pitch, but also in communities as it tries to do its share in developing the sport in the country.

Palami outlined big plans that included international training camps, friendly matches against foreign clubs and the establishment of a Global FC Academy as a “hub of excellence.”

To help achieve these goals, Global has hired a UK-based sports consultancy firm in an effort to professionalize the structure of the club similar to the big clubs all over Europe.

“We’re on the right track to set some achievable goals for the club this year,” said Global’s British consultant Hinko of One Above Management at a press conference yesterday.

“We want to make sure the structure of the club will be like all the other clubs in Europe. We’ll do this step by step.”

Hinko said Global’s players will have an active role in communities in promoting the sport. Previously, Palami said Global has conducted football clinics in Manila and Quezon City, particularly in Payatas, and has partnered with Unicef in one of its programs in Cebu.

“There is a lot of work ahead and the players will be playing an integral role,” said Hinko.

Though the club is expanding, Palami said that success on the pitch remains important to the club.

Global ruled the UFL first division, ending the reign of Air Force. The club also won the UFL Cup in the 2010-2011 season, just a few months after it reigned supreme in the second division.

Confident that the squad’s depth will be good enough, Palami, who also manages the national team, said Global’s players will be available for release for national duty.

“It has always been a big problem for Global every time we have players leave for  national team duty but our contribution to the country comes first before the club,” said Palami.