GOAL

Filipinas get new outfitter

DAILY TRIBUNE

The Philippine Football Federation got a new outfitter for its national women's team bound for the World Cup.

But the Filipinas will get to showcase their Adidas gear when they take part in the Pinatar Cup in Murcia, Spain, starting 15 February.

The four-year kit sponsorship deal with the renowned German brand was formalized during simple rites at the New World Makati Hotel on Thursday, just hours before the Filipinas left for Europe.

PFF general secretary Edwin Gastanes and Adidas Philippines general manager Anthony Frangos was present as well as players Hali Long and Inna Palacios donning their new uniforms.

Adidas also provides the same outfit to the Argentine team and officially sponsors the men and women's World Cup.

"This is a big help to the federation and to our women's football program. Having Adidas as our technical partner not only in equipping the Filipinas for the momentous and historic to play in the World Cup along with 31 other countries," Gastanes said.

"For the next four years, we are happy to partner with Adidas and push the development of women's football."

For Frangos, the German brand is ready to support the national team in their competitions leading to the biggest competition in women's football.

"As the country's national women's football team gears to have a packed 2023 ahead of them, we at Adidas are truly honored to forge a partnership with them. In everything we do as a brand, we have always drawn inspiration from the saying 'Impossible Is Nothing,' and it is very clear how the national women's football team has also long brought this to life," Frangos said."

"As we move forward, Adidas promises to be beside these inspiring women for every training, every milestone, and every victory that awaits them."

After the Pinatar Cup, the Filipinas will play in the first round of the Olympic qualifiers from 3 to 11 April before flying to Cambodia for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games from 5 to 17 May.

At the World Cup itself, the Filipinas are in Group A with alongside Norway, Switzerland and co-hosts New Zealand.

Long-time national team member Palacios is thankful for the support as the Filipinas get ready for the World Cup.

"It's just a dream from the very beginning and just to see where we are at the moment, it's just incredible. I didn't think it would happen in my lifetime but I just kept believing and the girls also believed in the same goal and together, we worked towards that," Palacios said.