High5 Futsal pursuing talent search

MANILA, Philippines —  There’s no way to go but up for Philippine futsal as the High5 Futsal Men’s and Women’s Leagues rev up search for talents starting from the grassroots level.

Now on its fourth year as a premier platform for aspiring futsal players, High5 vowed to shore up its drive in a grander bid of representing the country in future international tournaments with homegrown talents.

“(The) Philippines has the talent to compete in Asia and around the world. That’s the dream,” said High5 chief organizer Danny Moran, also president and chairman of the Henry V. Moran Foundation, in a media availability for its new season yesterday at the Amici Italian Restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan.

“The potential is really within the Filipinos in futsal where it’s all about skills and not necessarily about height. We have talented players in a sport where the Philippines can really compete and stand out internationally.”

High5 rolled the red carpet last month with the women’s division featuring 10 teams including Pinay5 Futsal Club, the first ever professional futsal club in the country, as well as the eight-team men’s side.

Pinay 5 Futsal Club, under Dutch coach Vic Hermans, is pacing the women’s league with three of its players making the pre-selected national team for the country’s 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup hosting this November.