Efforts to sustain the development of football in the Philippines got another boost with no less than International Football Federation (Fifa) Vice-President Prince Ali Al-Bin Hussein of Jordan and the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation providing support to grassroots development.

The Philippine Football Federation received P20 million aid from Pagcor for its grassroots program and also became the first beneficiary of the newly-founded Asian Football Development Program headed by Prince Ali, who attended the re-launch of the Kasibulan Grassroots in Calamba, Laguna yesterday.

”We know you have come a long way,” said Prince Ali, aware of the resurgence of the country’s national team, Azkals. “But you should invest in the youth and stay patient. The results will come eventually.”

In the presence of Prince Ali Friday night, Pagcor chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat turned over the ceremonial check to PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.

”Of course it’s a very big help but also a challenge to make sure that the program is implemented well,” Araneta said.

The amount will be alloted for the staging of close to 200 football festivals that will involve 15,000 to 20,000 players from all over the country as well as coaches and referees’ development.

”We are happy to be a part of the development of a new generation of the Azkals,” said Naguiat.

Prince Ali, who is also president of the West Asian Football Federation, said the Philippines “deserved to have the kind of support it is receiving now.”

”It’s a great sign that the private sector has come in to help,” said Prince Ali. “What we saw here in the Philippines has been very promising, but we always have to remember that with grassroots, it always takes time and patience.”

Prince Ali did not dismiss the possibility of extending more help for the Philippines later on.

Under the AFDP, a needs-based assistance arm based in Amman, the PFF will recieve equipment for the staging of the Kasibulan project.

Araneta said the revival of the Kasibulan project is part of a seven-year plan that he hopes will culminate with the country qualifying for the 2019 Under-17 World Cup.