Fifa Women’s World Cup: Philippines team proud to be role models back home – ‘we’re in this for future generations’

It is their country’s first ever appearance in a global football event, men’s or women’s, and the players realise its impact, including for overseas Filipinos

‘It’s very rewarding to see my relatives supporting us,’ says defender Sofia Harrison, who welcomes a chance to ‘learn more about my culture and heritage’

Reading Time:3 minutes

The Philippine women’s team hope to further ignite interest in football in their country in the coming weeks. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:45am, 15 Jul 2023Updated: 9:43am, 17 Jul 2023

The colours are unmistakable as the Philippine flag flutters in the breeze on the approach to Wanderers Football Park, in Sydney’s western suburbs – the temporary home to the country’s history-making women footballers.

For the better part of a month, the sprawling facility’s manicured fields have hosted the Women’s World Cup-bound Filipinas, a mould-breaking squad who are entering the unknown.

No team from the Philippines – men’s or women’s – had previously reached the finals of a global football event, so when they face Switzerland in Dunedin next Friday, the side coached by Australian Alen Stajcic will be on uncharted terrain.

Also drawn with co-hosts New Zealand and former champions Norway in their group, their task could be seen as daunting. But for the 23-player squad and their head coach, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges.

Philippines squad members Hali Long (left) and Inna Palacios (centre) train in suburban Manila this year. Photo: AFP

“Every year the game is growing and evolving,” defender Sofia Harrison told the Post before their departure for their tournament base in Auckland. “In our country in particular, we’ve been able to help grow the grass roots.