Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

PFF officially launches Women's Football League 2025

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Six clubs will compete in the PFF Women&#x27;s Football League 2025 which will begin on March 22, Saturday.All six clubs were introduced at the press conference held Friday in Makati with UAAP teams from the University of the Philippines and University of Sto. Tomas included in the list.They are joined by professional teams Kaya Futbol Club Iloilo, Stallions Laguna FC, Makati Football Club, and Capital1 Solar Strikers.The PFF highlighted the importance of holding as much games as possible to improve the quality of women’s football in the Philippines.PWL 2025 tournament commissioner Miguel Gutierrez emphasized that their priority now is in ensuring they have “consistent and sustainable teams.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/3/5/football-filipinas-eager-to-defend-title-in-msig-serenity-cup-1607">Football: Filipinas eager to defend title in MSIG Serenity Cup</a></div>“So, we want all the players both from UAAP and after-school players to be exposed in a very well-competitive environment,” he said.“Even strength and conditioning cannot depend on just going to the gym,” PFF president John Gutierrez said.“It’s actually the number of games that will make our players known …so it’s also a way for us to make them better and make them ready for national duties,” he said.Kaya FC team captain Hali Long is happy to be back in the tournament for a chance to win back-to-back championships with her teammates.“They push me to become a better player, a better defender. I really love my teammates and all the experiences they’ve given me,” said Long.The love she mentioned extends not just for those in Kaya but also the national team and her coaches.“I love playing football here,” she said. “I’m really happy where I’m at and I’m still growing as a player and as a person.”Meanwhile, Olivia and Chandler McDaniel of the Stallion FC who made their full-on debut last season are thrilled to compete in the Philippines.“I’ve been so happy ever since I’ve been coming to play in the league here. I’ve played in Austria, Costa Rica, and honestly this is the most fun I’ve ever had with soccer again,” said Chandler. “I know I’m pretty excited to see the college teams because I know what they do in the men’s side — it’s pretty competitive, so I think we’re very interested to see how good some of the college teams are and help grow the league and help the girls if they want to be better,” she added.&quot;Just being here in the Philippines and getting to play with girls that we know, girls that are new to the league, and girls growing up and trying to get on the national team— I think it’s such a good environment,” Olivia said.“It’s still competitive but it’s fun,” she added.For the two, coming to play in the PWL is a big step in contributing to the growth of women’s football in the Philippines.“We want to help in the growth of soccer in this country. That’s part of the reason why we wanted to come here,” Chandler explained.The games will be held every weekend starting March 22 at the Mall of Asia Sky’s Football Pitch.

Six clubs will compete in the PFF Women's Football League 2025 which will begin on March 22, Saturday.

Six clubs will compete in the PFF Women's Football League 2025 which will begin on March 22, Saturday.