Tomorrow morning, the United Football League will begin the first of four scheduled try-outs around the Philippines, in the search for the 32 most promising players in the country. Staring 7:00am, 100 footballers from Cebu will be put through rigorous drills and exercises at the Aboitiz Field to identify the region’s best eight talents who will be given the privilege to participate in the first ever Clear-Manchester United Football Camp in April.
In the first phase, players will be tested on ther Agility, Speed, Dribbling, Shooting, Passing, and Heading by both UFL and Cebu coaches. A special goalkeeping station will also be set up, where Cebu’s best young shot stoppers will be put through their paces. In the afternoon session, with the pool cut in half, those remaining will be tested tactically – seeing how they adapt to playing in various formations.
Spearheading the Cebu try-outs will be Hans Smit, Technical Director of Green Archers United Globe, with the help of Francis Ramires, and Dino Musni of the Cebu Football Association.
“This is a first time project for the UFL, and everybody’s is very excited. We have to thank the CFA for accommodating us. This is another welcome development for the UFL after last year’s school tour. It’s a great opportunity to reach out and let young talents know that they are not going unnoticed,” said UFL Technical Director Ritchie Gannaban.
In charge of handling the drills and rating the hopefuls will be top-notch coaches from the UFL, most of whom have had experience representing the Philippines in the Men’s National Team. Pachanga’s Alvin Ocampo, Stallion’s Marjo Allado, Loyola’s Gil Talavera, Green Archers’ Lolong Valencia, and Manila Jeepney’s Jayr Judal have all flown from Manila to ensure only the very best are selected to experience Manchester United Soccer School’s elite level of training. Cebu Dynamo’s Dennis Penalosa, Cebu Queen City United’s Allan Medalla and St. Therese’s Tirso Ramon Roa will also be playing integral roles, handling the agility, dribbling, and heading stations, respectively.
The four-legged program, which will also see try-outs held in Iloilo, Davao, and Metro Manila is the first program initiated with the Philippine Football Federation outside of the National Capital Region.
“This can be a template for future provincial football associations to use in identifying quality football talents. This advanced try-out model that Hans Smit has created is designed really for the very best to stand out and be identified,” said PFF Representative Cyril Dofitas.
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Provincial areas outside those metropolitan cities who hosted the event have players who are also good are in danger of not having noticed due to financial constraints. The PFF/Clear/ManUtd group should have provide free accommodations and meals for those out of towners who will join the tryout.
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