Athletes take part in Alay Lakad 2011

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals and the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation team showed their support for Alay Lakad Foundation Inc. (ALFI), as both teams took part in Alay Lakad 2011 Sunday morning at the Quirino Grandstand.

The Azkals and the PDBF participated in the annual charity walkathon of the ALFI, which aims to support out-of-school youths.

Aside from the Azkals and the PBDF team, other walk groups include students from Muntinlupa City schools, cadets of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, and students from the Philippine College of Criminology.

"The goal of Alay Lakad is to help the kids, and as there are many kids who look up to the Azkals, this would be a good way to show them that we are here to support them," said Azkals team manager Dan Palami.

Palami stressed the Azkals will continue to support activities that intend to help children.

"The social responsibility of the team extends beyond football," he said.

Azkals to hold camp in Bacolod

Negrenses will once again have the chance to see the Philippine National Men’s Football Team Azkals play at the Panaad Stadium on September 13, but the Philippine Football Federation announced that the game will not be for free.

To support its various thrusts in strengthening football development in the country, the PFF will sell tickets to the Azkals versus Suzuki Cup Under 23 champion Ceres Negros Team, priced at P200, P100, and P50, the Provincial Sports Office said.

The Azkals are scheduled to arrive in Bacolod on September 8 and will hold camp until September 15 to scout for new breed of players who will be included in the team.

Under the supervision of coach Hans Michael Weiss, the Azkals camp in Bacolod City is intended to boost the national team’s chances in international competitions, especially in the South East Asian Games in Indonesia this November.

Confirming the arrival of the Azkals this week, Angel “Nonong” Verdeflor, Executive Assistant for Sports, said the team will is scheduled to hold tune-up games against the Korean-reinforced Central Philippine University squad from Iloilo on September 9, and against Global Manila on September 11. The tune-up games will be open to the public for free.

Verdeflor said that before the Azkals vs. Ceres – Negros U23 match on September 13, Real Negrense Football Club and Bacolod United will clash in the preliminaries.

Meanwhile, Azkals co-captain Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong, expressed his appreciation to the city government of Talisay for inviting him to the opening of its Football Festival, Saturday.

In his message during the opening of the 7-a-side bootfest, Caligdong encouraged the players to remain dedicated in pursuing excellence in football.

He also thanked the Negrenses for their overwhelming support for the Azkals, stressing that they will continue to do their best to make the country proud of the national team.*NAB

source: visayandailystar.com

Long Teng Cup to showcase young Azkals

MANILA, Philippines – The younger members of the Philippine Azkals will have a chance to show off their football skills in the upcoming Long Teng Cup in Taiwan.

The Azkals will be up against teams from Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan in the friendly tournament to be held from September 28 to October 4.

"They're focusing on the Under-23 team," said Azkals defender Anton del Rosario.

Del Rosario said that the Azkals will be joining the Long Teng Cup in preparation for November’s Southeast Asian Games, where Under-23 teams are fielded.

He added that the tournament will be vital in giving the younger players much needed experience.

"They can hack it, for sure. They just need the confidence and the experience. That's what we need for our younger players, the experience," del Rosario said.

He also expressed confidence that the Philippines will have a good showing in the Long Teng Cup.

"There's always a good chance, especially playing in a local tournament like this. It’s a very friendly tournament," said del Rosario.

Neil Etheridge, Rob Gier, Jerry Lucena, Paul Mulders and Stephan Schrock will not be joining the Azkals for the competition.

Etheridge and Schrock both have commitments to their football clubs in Europe.

But the Azkals will be reinforced by the arrival of 23-year-old Filipino-German goal keeper Ronald Mueller.

The Azkals will begin training for the Long Teng Cup in Bacolod next week.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com