FOOTBALL MAY not be the biggest thing in the Philippines, however there have been numerous projects catered to modernize the beautiful game and make football pitches in the country, world class.
With the help of E-Sports International, Incorporated, the leading sports architecture and recreational solutions provider in the Philippines, many high-grade football pitches have been established.
To date, E-Sports is responsible for building 9 out of the country's 11 FIFA-certified football fields nationwide.
And they've also been involved in other sporting projects ranging from basketball courts, track-and-field ovals, tennis courts, baseball fields, etc.
Other than E-Sports, there are other organizations responsible for establishing modern state-of-the-art pitches in the Philippines such as Circuit Makati's Blue Pitch and Sparta Mandaluyong's Indoor field.
What defines a high-quality football pitch?
Many organizations in the Philippines have been partnering with industry leaders who have received the 'FIFA preferred supplier' status, for instance, E-Sports International has been in touch with Italy's Limonta Sport.
So what makes them deserving of FIFA's approval? Well most of their products feature state-of-the-art technology such as a shockdrain, and silica and based ground, mixed with performance infill, and a high resistance artificial grass.
Given the degree of quality from these pitches, expect them to cost around millions of Pesos.
Anyway here are a list of avant-garde football pitches in the Philippines.
Football pitches open to the general public
If you wish to learn the game of football or enhance your skills, these football pitches are the perfect way to touch grass and kick some balls. Some of these pitches have training sessions for all ages, allowing eight year olds to chase their dreams of playing for the Philippine National Team, or adults who wish to gain some fitness.
To know more about the training sessions, be sure to check out on organizations like Football Manila, East Football Manila, or Secret FC.
1.) BGC Turf
The very first artificial turf in the Philippines, which could've been FIFA-certified had they followed FIFA's standard in terms of the dimensions.
2.) McKinley Hill/Emperador Stadium
Similar to BGC turf, the McKinley/Emperador Stadium could've been licenced by FIFA if it wasn't for its size.
The stadium is also renowned for serving as a venue for Philippine Football League matches as well as AIA 7's Football League tournaments.
3.) The Outlets Football Field, Lima Park, Lipa, Batangas
While the previous pitches have yet to reach FIFA-certification due to its size, Lima Outlets was hindered since FIFA doesn't allow pitches to have yellow colored lines.
This pitch also hosts community-oriented football tournaments.
4.) Cherry Turf
Also open to the public as it hosts training sessions for football enthusiasts in the country. The field is located on a roofdeck, inspired by The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
5.) SPARTA, Mandaluyong
At least in SPARTA, one can avoid the scorching sun and the heavy rains due to its indoor nature. There are also training sessions available for diehard futboleros, who wish to chant, 'AWOO! AWOO! AWOO,' in this 1-star FIFA-certified field.
6.) Circuit Makati Blue Pitch
While many football fields are colored green, this one showcases a unique blend with its blue colors, inspired by Chelsea Football Club. Perhaps one can imagine themselves unleashing a bullet header ala Didier Drogba, or dancing past defenders like Eden Hazard or Gianfranco Zola.
FIFA Certified Pitches
For a football pitch to have the FIFA-Quality stamp, they need to pass a thorough field test conducted by one of FIFA's 3rd party institutes. Every detail will be checked from the ball's movement, shock absorption, vertical traction, the size of the pitch, and even its overall appearance.
Once a field passes the criteria, it can become a training ground for local and international teams, plus it will also receive the greenlight to host international games.
Here's a list of FIFA's certified football pitches in the Philippines.
1.) Rizal Memorial Stadium
The first football pitch to receive the FIFA-license certification. This is the home of the Philippine National Football teams.
2.) Binan Football Stadium
3.) Arca South Football Field
4.) Romblon Football Stadium
5.) UP Diliman
The home of the UAAP football games
6.) University of Makati
7.) UP Mindanao
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