Thomas Dooley: ‘It takes a lot to push football to the next level’
Football is the world’s most popular sport, and slowly our country is beginning to join the rest of the globe in enjoying the beautiful game!
It is my belief that a solid national team is essential in the total framework of developing and strengthening a sport in a country, and the Azkals are doing an excellent job of being at the top of the pyramid.
At the helm of our national squad is Thomas Dooley, whose contract was recently renewed by the Philippine Football Federation, who will make sure that the gains we have had in the previous years will continue to grow.
Let’s get to know the gentleman tasked with bringing the Azkals to greater heights.
PHILIPPINE STAR: Your contract to coach the national team was recently renewed, what are your immediate plans for the Azkals?
THOMAS DOOLEY: I’ve structured our team playing against some strong teams to continue to improve, and getting into the finals for the very first time in the Suzuki Cup is a priority!
What else are you planning for the team within your new term as coach?
There are a lot of goals to look at, but I would like to be able to get the Azkals to qualify for the Asian Cup for the first time in our sports history.
Football has steadily risen in the country, but what do you think would it take to really take the local sports scene by storm?
You need to continue promoting and marketing the game. Kids need to see the game, they need to see the players. There is no advertising and marketing at the moment. I don’t see any billboards, commercials, anything related to the sport. Ask yourself, why does a product sell? It’s not just because it is good, it’s because people are getting hammered with advertising!
How important are the grassroots programs in terms of sustaining the growth that football has gained in the last few years?
Of course, it is very important! You need to have kids playing early. But remember, they need to have fun first, second is to develop skills that make their appreciation of the sport even more fun.
What would it take to push football to the next level, maybe not yet the world stage but at least competitive with the Asian level?
It takes a lot! Good organization is key! The right decision making in who we play against, not to mention when and where. We also need to develop our young players so that they are ready in four-eight years, and it’s important that the league we have domestically has to develop even more.
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