They got tackle
The American Tackle Football Association of the Philippines (ATFAP) had a very successful friendly game against the Australian Raiders a week ago at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill.
Even though the visitors dominated our local squad, it was truly a victory all around because this match marked the start of bigger and better things to come for the sport here in the country.
The final score of 56-7 hardly mattered because this event will definitely push the sport to greater heights, and the open football clinic that was held the day after was already proof of this!
There were over 60 players that participated, which means that the sport now has more players in their quickly growing fold.
The Philippine Aguilas, as they are called, have been very busy, and Dodi Palma, the head of ATFAP, is only too happy to talk about the team.
“Last April, the Aguilas went to Tokyo to face the top of Asia. The Philippines lost by a big margin, but that was to be expected from our three-month program versus the 80-year program from Japan. It’s a process we have to go through. Against Australia, we scored our first international official touchdown courtesy of quarterback Pereme Alina and receiver/coach Ivan Klaric! Everyone went wild!” said Palma.
In the friendly match, our players were JJ Cocjin, Wewe Alvero, Evan Baylon, Nars Custorio, JR Diangkinay, Kenneth Gallawan, Jay Laborte, Inigo Pulido, Marco Bangit, Zeb Cambronero, JP Suarez, Emile Lioanag, Redd Miguel, Amin Sajjadi, Christian San Juan, BJ Padua, Tim Espinosa, Mark Marigomen, Raul Asuncion, Castri Cabatay, Demi Juanatas, Jeremy Nadado, Marc Patiag, Yosh Sakurai, Eric Ong, Mike Garcia, Christopher San Juan, Dominador Lopez, Oliver Montano, Stephen Reyes, Jon-T Vergara, Nico Sy, Armin Purification, Gel Guibone, DJ Mello, Mike Hoese, Paul Reyes, Eric Soriano, Karl Fernandez, Leand Suguitan, Will Yeh, Joshua Gayta, Klaric, Nico Faller, Dino Teves, JR Coronica, Ace Espiritu and Marlon Villanueva.
The future is bright for what is regarded as the most watched sport in the United States, and with a solid program from the people behind the ATFAP, expect them to create a ripple in the international scene soon.
This is in line with their goal of preparing for the 2016 IFAF Asian competition.
“The first test of our IMPACT (I Am Pilipinas Aguilas Club Training Pool) program was very successful! The sponsors are happy! I’m looking forward to our next international friendly against Korea in February 2015,” Palma concluded.
This is definitely a sport to look out for in the years to come!
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