Camille Naredo

The Philippine Sports Commission opens its track and field facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive in his fourth State of the Nation Address, in a bid to promote healthy lifestyles among Filipinos.

The Philippine Sports Commission opens its track and field facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive in his fourth State of the Nation Address, in a bid to promote healthy lifestyles among Filipinos.  Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

SPORTS/ EXERCISE- PH

Paige Javier

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA – The Philippine Sports Commission is eyeing the formation of a national youth training pool for elite athletes beginning next year, in line with its push for grassroots development.</p><p>PSC Chairman Patrick &quot;Pato&quot; Gregorio made the announcement during his speech at the 5th Siklab Youth Awards on Saturday at the Diamond Hotel Manila.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/6/28/patrick-gregorio-replaces-richard-bachmann-as-ph-sports-commission-chief-malaca-ang-1711">Patrick Gregorio replaces Richard Bachmann as PH Sports Commission chief: Malacañang</a></div><p>&quot;I want to inform our NSA [National Sports Association] presidents, I want to inform our young athletes that during the last board meeting of the Philippine Sports Commission, we have approved the board resolution that says that starting 2026, we should have a national youth training pool. And the PSC will also give an allowance to these national youth athletes,&quot; he said.</p><p>There is an existing national training pool for seniors, but Gregorio explained that this does not include elite grassroots athletes.</p><p>&quot;In the Philippine Sports Commission, there is a national training pool, meaning we are elite athletes. And we&#x27;ve realized when we were reviewing it, that part is honoring the national youth training pool,&quot; he said.</p><p>&quot;So itong mga atletang ito, kapag nakalista sila sa national sports association nila, they should be given allowances as well. They should be given the right training as well,&quot; the PSC chief added.</p><p>In molding future Olympians, Gregorio underscored the need to train kids early in their chosen sport, even at 9 to 12 years old. He also said support, especially from government should be given during early stages of their career.</p><p>&quot;Nararapat na ang gobyerno, ang Philippine Sports Commission tumulong na sa gastos, tumulong na sa mga pamilya para makatulong na kami sa mga pamilya,&quot; he said.</p><p>&quot;We will do this effective 2026. And we were really very excited to implement this because it is the right thing to do. Hindi ba? Hindi naman pwedeng nag-checheer tayo sa batang atletang lumaban sa Pilipinas, tapos sasabihin natin sa magulang, kayo muna bahala sa gastos. That is not fair,&quot; Gregorio explained.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/7/31/too-much-too-young-swimming-s-dilemma-over-12-year-old-schoolgirl-1233">Too much too young?: Swimming&#x27;s dilemma over 12-year-old schoolgirl</a></div><p>The PSC chief emphasized the need for government support, which will help the athlete have more opportunities and exposure when competing overseas.</p><p>&quot;Since we want to really inspire the youth we might as well consider giving them the right training and the right financial support,&quot; Gregorio said.</p><p>&quot;We bring them abroad, yung mga travel ano nila when they compete. But walang definite program, hindi nakakahon unlike the elite men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s team,&quot; he added.</p><p>Gregorio likewise reminded the athletes, both local and overseas-based, to download and join the Elite Link App.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/8/13/psc-ties-up-with-tech-company-to-create-mobile-app-for-pinoy-athletes-1904">PSC ties up with tech company to create mobile app for Pinoy athletes</a></div><p>The mobile application allows athletes to showcase their credentials and achievements for monitoring by coaches, scouts and recruiters.</p><p>As the PSC chief marks 100 days since assuming office, he vows to push and fast-track programs like the revitalized national grassroots development program, sports tourism, hosting more international tournaments, among others.</p><p>&quot;We have to do this very fast because just like the youth, if we close our eyes and we daily then one day they&#x27;ll become adults and if we don&#x27;t train them well, it will be so late already,&quot; Gregorio said.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/10/12/psc-all-systems-go-for-batang-pinoy-games-in-quake-hit-gensan-1326">PSC: All systems go for Batang Pinoy Games in quake-hit GenSan</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kFj0aPzRRm0?si=CU-hmZEBM7br-9j0" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>The Philippine Sports Commission eyes the formation of a national youth training pool for elite athletes beginning next year, in line with its push for grassroots development.</p>

The Philippine Sports Commission eyes the formation of a national youth training pool for elite athletes beginning next year, in line with its push for grassroots development.

PSC to form national youth training pool to push for grassroots sports development

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

PSC to form national youth training pool to push for grassroots sports development

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

Published October 12, 2025 04:09 PM PHT

Read More:

Phlippine Sports Commission

Patrick Gregorio

Grassroots Sports Development

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.