PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), through the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF), are bolstering their support for the women’s national football team after the Malditas’ stellar performance at the recent Asian Cup qualifiers.
“We are very proud of our women’s national football team which demonstrated its strength, resilience and determination to win despite the challenges brought about by the global pandemic,” said Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications President and CEO.
Panlilio, also the president of MVPSF and First Vice President of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said that the team’s accomplishment is “a step toward our goal—for the Philippines to qualify in our first ever Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia.”
MVPSF has been supporting the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) through its various programs.
Following the breakthrough win of the Azkals in 2010, the MVP Group decided to invest in football across the country through the PFF-Smart National Club Championships 2011-2015.
The foundation then began its support of the women’s national team program when the organization decided to invest in talent identification of heritage Filipinas playing in the US, Fifa’s top-ranked country.
MVPSF has also been actively promoting grassroots football, running leagues for under-7, under-9 and developing young talents with under-11 and under-13 regional and provincial cluster festivals for both boys and girls.
MVPSF also believes in the PFF Coaches’ Education initiatives including the PFF-MVPSF National Coaches’ Convention.
“We believe in the potential of our athletes who are training under PFF. We also want to build on our network and bring in Filipinas all over the world to train and compete with international athletes as we actively develop and promote the beautiful game of football in the Philippines,” said Jude Turcuato, First Vice President and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart and Executive Director at MVPSF.
Image courtesy of Victor Fraile / Power Sport Imag