In a SWOT analysis of the football industry, what are some of the strengths and opportunities we can identify? The country has both a large and young population: 120 million people with a median age of 26. This means that there are 60 million young Filipinos below 26 years of age. There is generally strong English proficiency, especially among the younger population, making it easier to hire foreign coaches and integrate into international football. There is also growing interest among children and increasing support from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.

In past competitions, the Philippine Men’s Football team clearly lagged behind those of Vietnam and Thailand. To address this competitive disadvantage, the country will need to invest in thousands more community football pitches, introduce football in many more public schools, and establish a fully professional league with more clubs spread across the country—especially in Western Visayas, where Iloilo is considered the football capital of the Philippines. Providentially, Metro Iloilo is also considered the most economically promising urban center in the whole Visayas, stealing the thunder from Metro Cebu, which, like Metro Manila, is hopelessly congested.

Furthermore, the country needs better coaching education. Some universities in Iloilo may want to develop master’s programs in sports with a focus on football coaching. The Iloilo government, business community, and civil society may combine forces to ask, for example, FC Barcelona in Spain to help them establish a football academy like the famous La Masia, where football greats like Lionel Messi and now Lamine Yamal trained. Finally, it will require sustained investment by private entities for at least another ten years.

The outlook has significantly improved compared to ten years ago. The Philippines has a much clearer development strategy, more youth competitions, and stronger institutional support. If these reforms continue and football expands beyond a few urban centers and private schools, the country could become a regular contender in Southeast Asia and qualify more frequently for the AFC Asian Cup. To aim high, reaching the level of Japan or South Korea will require a much larger investment in grassroots development and professional football over a longer period of time.

To illustrate the critical role of private initiatives oriented toward the development of football at the grassroots, especially among public schools, let me describe the mission, vision, and activities of one of the leading private foundations geared toward youth football development: The Henry V. Moran Foundation (THVMFI), a non-profit organization based in the Philippines that pioneered sport for development in the country through the media of football and futsal. Established in 2009, the foundation has been working toward improving the plight of marginalized youth through sports, community development, education, livelihood, and economic opportunities.

Founded to honor an entrepreneur who played for the national football team, THVMFI states its Mission and Vision as follows: "We believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed, regardless of financial circumstances or background. By using futsal as a platform for development, we create safe and inclusive spaces where young people build confidence, discipline, leadership, resilience, and lifelong values. Our work extends beyond the futsal court. Through strategic partnerships with schools, government agencies, local communities, and corporate partners, we provide meaningful opportunities that help young people become healthier, better educated, and more prepared to lead positive change in their communities."

In a shorter form, its Mission is stated: "We believe that the discipline and hard work involved in playing sports is an ideal way to develop character, skill, and self-confidence—all of which are qualities needed to deal with real life. It is with this philosophy, then, that we help the less fortunate by building futsal programs for children and teens, and building up leaders among futsal coaches." Its Vision fits very well with the reputation of Filipinos as being among the happiest people in the world, like the Finnish: "Happiness, Joy, and Fun through Futsal and other sports."

Among THVMFI’s main activities, the Summer Futsal Camp offers a one-week program for children 16 years old and below where less gadget time is fostered, active and healthy lifestyles are promoted, and skills, values, and friendships are developed to build fundamental skills and inspire a love for the beautiful game. Its flagship program in partnership with the Department of Education, Liga Eskwela, brings futsal to public schools to promote teamwork, discipline, character development, and healthier communities.

Originally established in Metro Manila, Liga Eskwela has expanded to Pangasinan, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro City, with upcoming implementations in Davao City, Palawan, and Oriental Mindoro. Through its Scholarship Program, deserving young female student-athletes are identified and provided educational support, mentorship, and whole-person development to build confident, empowered young women. For higher levels of competition, the High 5 Futsal League provides structured play for youth and senior athletes to nurture skill, sportsmanship, and a winning mindset. Finally, at the highest stage of THVMFI’s pathway, the Pinays Futsal Team aims to develop leaders through an elite women’s team that competes at the highest level, acting as role models and mentors to inspire future generations.

A major formative activity remains the Summer Futsal Camp. Launched in 2025, the THVMFI Summer Futsal Camp is an annual one-week, whole-day program for children and youth aged 16 years and below. Designed to encourage active lifestyles and reduce excessive screen time and exposure to social media, the camp combines futsal instruction with physical fitness, teamwork, leadership training, values formation, and fun learning experiences. By introducing children to sport in a wholesome environment, they are helped to develop confidence, discipline, healthy habits, and friendships that go beyond the camp itself.