Big boost for PH football

THE PHILIPPINE Sports Commission and Philippine Football Federation are joining hands with the German government in an effort to sustain the development of the “Beautiful Game” in the countryside.

Under the memorandum of agreement signed yesterday by PSC chair Richie Garcia and German Ambassador Joachim Heidorn, noted German coach Thomas Roy will arrive next month to handle a talent identification search and supervise coaches’ programs in the next two years.

The 45-year-old Roy, an experienced mentor who had already spent time in Switzerland, Belgium and Honduras, is a specialist in spotting talent at the youth level.

“Cooperation is important and Germany and the Philippines have a long history in this aspect,” said Heidorn.

Garcia said Roy’s experience will contribute tremendously in the development of the sport.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said Roy’s presence will be important in the country’s target of sending a team to the Under-17 World Cup in 2019.