“The Aboitiz Futsal Clinic in Toledo City shows what can be achieved when regional football association (RFAs), local governments, and the private sector work together. Through futsal, we are creating more opportunities for Filipino youth to play, learn, and grow in the sport—especially in communities outside major cities.” – PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) hails the Cebu Regional Football Association (CRFA), the Aboitiz Foundation, and the City Government of Toledo for successfully conducting the Aboitiz Futsal Clinic at the Toledo City Sports Center on October 25–26, 2025, as part of the ongoing Aboitiz Football Cup Season 25.
The two-day grassroots futsal event benefited at least 150 young participants and 25 local coaches from various schools and clubs, including Jose Chona Jo Memorial National High School (NHS), BuAnoy NHS, Bato NHS, Toledo FC, Toledo National Vocational HS, Awihao NHS, and Luray II NHS.
On October 25, CRFA and PFF held a Futsal Coaches Refresher Workshop for teachers and coaches from the Department of Education-Toledo City Division, to enhance their technical knowledge and teaching methods. The following day, October 26, featured players’ training sessions and a mini futsal tournament, giving participants a chance to apply what they learned on the court.
As part of its grassroots support, CRFA distributed thirty futsal balls, eight footballs, and various training equipment to assist schools and clubs in continuing their futsal programs. Uniforms were also provided to all participants free of charge, ensuring inclusivity with no registration fees required.
The clinic was led by Engr. Nilo Feraren, CRFA Futsal Committee Chairman; John Martin Ferrer, CRFA Technical Director; and Coach Robert Nicart, PFF Tutor, supported by CRFA trainers Phillip Denuyo, Marlou Solon, Filmore Nabua, and Claudith Zapanta.
“The coaching points [discussed were] when it comes to technical [skills] like passing, controlling, shooting. So basically that’s the topic and also the modern characteristic of a modern coach when it comes to futsal,” Coach Nicart said about the scope of the clinic.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez commended the success of the Toledo activity, emphasizing its alignment with the Federation’s futsal development roadmap.
“Futsal is a powerful tool for player development—it improves technical ability, builds character, and makes the sport accessible to more young Filipinos,” he said. “By constant and continuous collaboration, we can sustain this momentum and make futsal a key pillar of Philippine grassroots sports.”
Supported by the City Government of Toledo under Mayor Joie Piczon Perales, and backed by the Aboitiz Foundation, West Cebu Estate, and MEZ II Estate, the clinic underscored the shared commitment to nurturing future athletes and promoting futsal as a sport for all.
Through initiatives like the Aboitiz Futsal Clinic, PFF and its member RFAs continue to expand their partnerships with private and local stakeholders, ensuring that futsal development thrives in every region of the Philippines.
(Photo from Toledo Football Club)