On April 2nd 2018, while the rest of Manila was going back to their office desks after a very long non-working holiday weekend, I found myself and nine other media people traveling to Antipolo to meet none other than, Coach Thomas Dooley. Coach Thomas is more popularly known as the former captain of the United States national soccer team and has recently served as head coach of our very own, Philippine national team.
Coach Thomas Dooley met with us at Cafe Lupe, Antipolo and discussed the preparations for the much awaited World Cup 2026. The meeting was organised by the Teen Azkals Foundation Incorporated in cooperation with Tag Media and Public Relations headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas.
I learned a lot during the discussion and I gained a deeper understanding of how athletes prepare for big tournaments such as the World Cup. Coach Thomas has proven that it takes a lot of discipline and effort to become a winning athlete. With the 23rd tournament still almost a decade away, the plans are already in place for the first ever 48-country global competition with still no specific location or country yet mentioned under the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer. The decision on which country or countries will host the 2026 World Cup will be announced by FIFA in May 2020.
Coach Thomas, together with Coach Chito Ferrer Manuel (Teen Azkals Foundation Camp Director) discussed and explained the importance of early preparations especially on how to select the Teen Azkals who will, in the future, join this prestigious competition. I can't help but be excited for these teens who could very much well be playing for World Cup 2026.
According to Mr. Alvin Carranza, the President of Teen Azkals Foundation Inc , “Sports made the Filipinos United but the determination of the athletes must be in full focus as it’s not about the individual strength or not about the coach but all about the whole team. We are looking forward for the new recruits as the Azkals today will retire soon in preparation for the World Cup 2026. We need the new Teen Azkals.”
The Philippine team needs our support. To know more information, please contact 09778978877, 09954560892, or 09189414522. Check also www.facebook.com/teenazkals.
