PFF wants more lady booters, leagues

The Philippine Football Federation seeks more local leagues and women players following the national squad's historic performance in the FIFA Women's World Cup recently.

PFF head of competition Coco Torre told Daily Tribune that he hopes that the rekindled interest in women's football will spark the growth of the sport by having more players and more local leagues.

Right now, the PFF Women's League and the PFF Women's Cup are regarded as the highest local competitions in the country with 10 clubs led by Kaya-Iloilo FC and Stallion Laguna FC as well as local teams like De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas competing.

Torre said the Women's Cup could have a potential expansion like the Copa Paulino Alcantara, the national men's football cup competition that allows non-professional and non-collegiate teams to join the tournament.

"We currently only have 10 teams but I hope we expand in the future. Just like in the Copa, the plan for the Women's Cup is to expand to have more teams join," said Torre, who is also the commissioner of the Philippines Football League.

"For me, there's more work to be done. The Filipinas joining the World Cup would serve as a springboard but it's not going to be easy."

Despite an early exit in the Women's World Cup, the Filipinas became the toast of Philippine sports after they stunned co-host New Zealand, 1-0, thanks to a well-timed header from Sarina Bolden.

Torre is also hoping that like the PFL, major corporate sponsors would rally behind football tournaments in the country.

Coca-Cola Philippines, for one, announced last month that it will be a major sponsor for this year's PFF Women's League.

"I hope other companies will recognize the value of having a women's league to grow the game. I hope they will follow and support them as well," Torre said.