Azkals to train at BSU grounds

By Roderick Osis

WITH the unavailability of the Philippine Military Academy Borromeo Field, the Azkals will formally train at the Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet.

BSU, in a statement confirmed the national football squad has chosen the school over Brent which has also been busy preparing their grounds for the Azkals.

According to BSU Soccer Club adviser, Frael Aquino, this will promote and develop football in the community, establish local followers, boost tourism and transfer training drills to local football enthusiasts.

Aquino emphasized the Azkals are allowed to mingle with fans only before and after training sessions.

The Azkals training schedules will be on February 21 to 22 at 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. On February 23 at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be a practice game between the Azkals and a team being formed by the Baguio � Benguet Football Association.

Training for the Azkals will resume on February 24 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., February 25 at 9 to 11 a.m. and at 4 to 6 p.m. and on February 26 at 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Azkals are supposed to have their training in Cebu for ten days but opted to come up to Baguio instead because temperature in Mongolia these days reportedly reaches as low as -17 degree Celsius.

The visit of the Azkals is expected to trigger the region�s emerging football popularity despite the lack of proper playing venues.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on February 20, 2011.