Dutch coach in town to help develop futsal

MANILA, Philippines — The Henry V. Moran Foundation, together with the MVP Sports Foundation, Inspire Sports Academy and the Philippine Football Federation, aims to give Philippine futsal a boost by bringing to the country Dutch futsal coach Victor Jacobus Hermans in an effort to help develop a national program and plan for the sport in the country.

“We are thrilled to have one of the fathers of the modern game of futsal in the Philippines to help us develop futsal from the grassroots,” said Danny Moran, chairman of the Henry V. Moran Foundation.

“We are not bringing coach Vic here to coach a national team, but we are partnering with him to work with us and the PFF in laying out a pathway to develop the sport. Vic has a proven track record, and with his vast expertise in Asia and his knowledge of Asian cultures, we want to give Filipino children the chance to succeed in life,” Moran also said.

Futsal is a variant of football that is played mainly indoor five a side. The sport was founded in Uruguay in the 1930s.

“The MVP Sports Foundation has always been supportive of football development. We are investing in futsal as a means to reach more Filipinos at the base and improve the technical skills of our local players,” said Vince Santos, MVP Sports Foundation program director.

Hermans arrived last April 18 and has gone around the country.

“My first impression of Philippine futsal is the same as before when I played against the Philippines as the national coach of Thailand,” said Hermans. “In my short time here, I have observed some youth tournaments. I can see a lot of talents and many areas of potential.”

“Futsal is the world’s fastest growing indoor sport derived from football. Over the years, we have seen how futsal has grown. We are honored to have one of the world’s top experts in futsal help us plan, develop and execute a system wherein we can provide opportunities for all Filipinos to play this sport and complement our development in football, “ said PFF president Mariano Araneta.