MANILA (19 Feb 2018) – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) have appointed Reiji Hirata as Head of Youth Football Development for the next two years.
Hirata was nominated by the FA of Japan (JFA) on the request from the PFF.
Hirata holds a JFA ‘A’ Coaching License, which is equivalent to an AFC ‘A’ Coaching License. Prior to his appointment by PFF, the 42-year-old had worked closely with the Chinese Taipei Football Association (CTFA) Technical Department and served as interim head coach of the Chinese Taipei National Team as well as head coach of Chinese Taipei Boys Under-13 and Under-15 teams.
Hirata is expected to help strengthen the youth football development programs in the Philippines.
In addition, Hirata will work closely with the PFF Technical Department in formulating policies for the establishment and accreditation of football academies and centers of excellence as well as in the adoption of the Youth Football Training Manual.
“The Philippines has a population of 100 million with an average age of 23. People here take great care of their family, love festivals, and football has been very popular recently. This diversity is a strength that we can expand on. Working together with the PFF President Mr. Araneta and everyone involved, I will do my best to develop the youth and help football in the Philippines moving forward,” said Hirata in a statement released in the JFA website.
“We thank the JFA for sending Mr. Reiji Hirata to serve as the PFF Head of Youth Development,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta. “We look forward to working with Mr. Hirata in improving the performance of the Philippine National Youth Teams and enhancing a formal youth football development plan.”
