MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino-British brothers Phil and James Younghusband remain committed to the national football team despite reported interest from an Indonesian football club.
Even though they were not ruling out the possibility of playing abroad, the Younghusbands assured fans of their intention to focus on their work with the Azkals, who have been scheduled to see action in the AFC Challenge Cup next month, and on their Younghusband Football Academy.
“We’ve had interest from other clubs, but the national team and the football academy is our main focus,” Phil, the younger of the two brothers, said at the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s U.N. Avenue in Manila on Tuesday.
Jakarta 1928 FC, which is playing in the newly formed Indonesia Premiere League (LPI), is reportedly keen on having the Younghusband brothers in their squad.
Franco Lorenzo, a member of the management team of the Azkals, who is negotiating in the Younghusbands’ behalf, said Jakarta FC officials would arrive in the country Wednesday to finalize the deal.
Phil said the YFA’s program involved partnering with local governments and training teachers to become coaches within a limited facility.
“We believe football is a sport for the mass and football is accessible,” said Phil. “We want to promote football in the grassroots.”
The Younghusbands earned coaching badges during their time playing for the reserve team of Premiere League side Chelsea.
The YFA, which was established in January 2010, has lined up several clinics for the next two months starting on January 13 at the Multiple Intelligence International School in Katipunan.
The Younghusbands will also conduct “train the trainers” programs in Tarlac from January 20 to 21 as well as in Palawan from January 29 to 30 and in Taguig and Pateros from February 26 to 27.
“We realized that we can have an effect on football in a more positive way with our academy,” said James, who is older by 11 months.
The Younghusband brothers also joined the Azkals as they opened training camp for the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series against Mongolia.
Reacting to the recent coaching change that saw German Hans Michael Weiss replacing Simon McMenemy, the Younghusbands said they welcomed the decision.
“We’re looking forward to working with the new coach and his new ideas,” said Phil.
“The new coach is from Germany and they did well in the World Cup,” James said.
“These are exciting times for Philippine football. For coach Simon, he still has a whole career ahead of him and we wish him the best.”
