BSU hosts FIFA course for coaches

By Jennyline Sabado-Tabangcura

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Benguet State University recently hosted the Luzon leg of the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Grassroots Pro-Active Course for football coaches by FIFA instructor, Takeshi Ono.

The course has also been conducted in Visayas and Mindanao. There were 23 participants coming from the Naga City, Camarines Sur Football Association, Quezon Football Association, Laguna Football Association, Zamboanga Sur Football Association, Mindoro Football Association, Football Association of Rizal, Tuguegarao Football Association, Baguio-Benguet Football Association and the Tarlac Football Association.

“For every Azkal you see, there is a coach behind him,” said Baguio-Benguet Football Association President, Leo Arnaiz during the opening program held at the Gladiola Center on July 11.

“We need players to redeem the old glory days of football and coaches to serve as their models,” he added.

For Philippine Football Federation General Secretary, Chito Manuel, the participants are lucky to have Takeshi Ono of FIFA as a resource person.

Takeshi Ono is a technical consultant for FIFA and he directs the Youth Development of JFA.

He is also recipient of the FA International Coaching License and the FA International Preliminary Coaching Award both in England.

“Football is a model sport and can contribute to a better society and future,” he said. He encouraged grassroots activities saying that there is no strong national team without it.

La Trinidad Mayor, Gregorio Abalos and BSU vice president for administration, Alfredo C. Tipayno attended the opening program.