Younghusbands renew commitment to Azkals

The issue revolving around the temporary exclusion of Phil and James Younghusband from the Philippine Azkals is an axe that has temporarily been buried. But their side has not really been fully explained. Even as the accomplished siblings have been quickly reinstated into the national team, the question of their side of the story still remains.

The Azkals recently made history with its first international title in 99 years. The Philippine team emerged Peace Cup champions after outscoring Chinese-Taipei, 3-1. Prior to that, the Azkals won 5-0 against Macau and 1-0 against Guam.

“James and I are very happy especially for our teammates,” Phil said. “Our mother club has always been supportive of us as members of the national team so we hope to be able to resolve our issues soon and play for the Azkals again.”

Before the Azkals vaulted into prominence with ABS-CBN’s decision to cover the Suzuki Cup two years ago, the brothers were already in the country, playing and holding clinics for the underprivileged. They were doing it with little fanfare, and without a huge fan base to rally behind them. The brothers put up the Younghusband Football Academy in 2009 before rejoining the national team the following year. That dedication in training kids has started paying off. The Loyola Meralco youth team, which the Younghusband brothers are coaching, bagged the boys’ under-12 championship in the recent Kia Cup. This team, which was formed only this year, has been steadily improving and gaining attention in local tournaments.

“Every time we’ve got training or games, that would be a priority,” says Phil. “Every other time, we’re with the kids,” adds James. “We want to help develop football through these kids. We’re looking at taking them abroad and bringing in a foreign team to help out. We have scholarships for kids who can’t afford to play the sport.”

Let’s also recall that the two young men were orphaned with the death of their mother Susan last year, a burden not to be wished on anyone. They abrogated participation in international friendlies for the first death anniversary remembrance. They are the breadwinners and providers and stand as parents for their younger sister Keri, as well. Given this situation and the length of service to the sport, it is only natural that they accept whatever opportunities are presented to them. In spite of this, they continue to contribute to the sport, even partnering with local governments of Palawan, La Union and Tarlac to train PE teachers and develop football among the youth.

The usual refrain is that an athlete’s productivity is painfully short. And the Younghusbands are no exception. They also have the right to make a living and milk their careers for whatever economic benefit they can get. Whatever happens next, they have more than done their share for the Philippine team. In all fairness, Phil, James and a few other players like Chieffy Caligdong have made Philippine football exciting and extremely marketable. The abundance of endorsement deals proves it. And to also be fair, the team has benefited from their talent first and their fame, second. At any rate, the Younghusbands have attributed the Peace Cup issue to miscommunication, and have promised to coordinate with the PFF more closely regarding their schedules.

As of this writing, the Younghusbands and the rest of the Loyola Meralco Sparks are headed to Singapore for the semifinals of the Singapore Cup. Remarkably, the Sparks are the only remaining foreign team in the tournament. Winning it would be a historic victory for the Philippines. 

“We are the underdogs, but the boys are training hard and they’re in good spirits. For a local club to reach that far in an international tournament, it shows how much football has developed in the country,” United Football League (UFL) president and Sparks vice-chairman Randy Roxas explained.

After that comes the preparation for the Azkals to hopefully advance further in the Suzuki Cup, and the hope that all’s well and ends well for the Younghusbands and the Azkals.