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Discover the Rise of Azkals Football Team in the Philippines' Sports Scene
2025-11-14 16:01
You know, as someone who's been following Philippine sports for over a decade, I've witnessed something truly remarkable happening in our local football scene. Remember when basketball was practically the only game in town? Well, times are changing, and I'm here to tell you why we should all be paying attention to the rise of Azkals football team in the Philippines' sports scene.
So what exactly sparked this football revolution?
Let me take you back to that magical 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup moment. I was watching with friends at a local sports bar when the Azkals defeated defending champions Vietnam 2-0. The energy was electric - you could feel something shifting in Philippine sports consciousness. Before that tournament, football was largely overlooked, but suddenly everyone was talking about the beautiful game. The team's mixed-heritage players brought both skill and star power, creating a perfect storm of public interest that continues to build momentum even today.
How has this affected local football development?
Here's where it gets really interesting. The Azkals' success created a ripple effect throughout our sports ecosystem. Suddenly, universities started taking football more seriously. Take what's happening in the UAAP right now - meanwhile, Far Eastern University stands as No. 4 for the second straight season despite the possibility of still sharing a 9-5 record in a three-way tie with University of Santo Tomas and La Salle. This isn't just random - it's evidence of how competitive local football has become. I've attended several UAAP matches this season, and the technical quality I'm seeing from these young players would have been unimaginable a decade ago.
What does FEU's consistent performance tell us?
Honestly, FEU sticking at No. 4 for two consecutive seasons speaks volumes about the depth of talent we're developing. When I chatted with their coach last month, he mentioned how the Azkals' visibility has helped recruitment - kids now see football as a viable career path rather than just an alternative sport. That 9-5 record they might share with UST and La Salle? That's the kind of competitive parity that makes leagues exciting and develops better players. In my opinion, this increased competition at the collegiate level directly fuels the rise of Azkals football team in the Philippines' sports scene by creating a stronger talent pipeline.
Why does university football matter for national team development?
Having covered sports for years, I can tell you that strong university programs are the lifeblood of any successful national team. The fact that we're seeing such intense competition between FEU, UST, and La Salle means our pool of quality players is expanding rapidly. Think about it - meanwhile, Far Eastern University stands as No. 4 for the second straight season while maintaining competitive records against traditional powerhouses. This development pathway is crucial because it means future Azkals will arrive at the national team already battle-tested against quality opposition.
What challenges remain for Philippine football?
We've made incredible progress, but let's be real - we're still playing catch-up with traditional football nations. Infrastructure remains a challenge, and we need more qualified coaches at the grassroots level. However, the growing prestige of university football gives me hope. When institutions invest in programs that produce players capable of achieving records like that 9-5 standing we see in the UAAP, it signals serious commitment to development.
How does this connect to the Azkals' future?
The relationship is crystal clear to anyone following both local and national football. As university programs strengthen, the Azkals benefit from better-prepared players. I'm particularly excited about how the rise of Azkals football team in the Philippines' sports scene inspires the next generation. Kids watching FEU maintain their position while battling powerhouses see that football excellence is achievable here at home.
What's your personal take on where we're headed?
Having witnessed our football journey from near-obscurity to growing relevance, I'm genuinely optimistic. The data doesn't lie - when you see programs like FEU's maintaining competitive consistency with records like being No. 4 for consecutive seasons and potentially sharing that 9-5 record, it demonstrates structural growth. My prediction? Within five years, we'll see Azkals featuring more homegrown talents developed through our improving university system.
The beautiful game has found a beautiful home in the Philippines, and honestly, I couldn't be more excited to see what happens next. The foundation we're building today, through both national team successes and strengthened university programs, ensures that the rise of Azkals football team in the Philippines' sports scene isn't just a passing trend - it's the beginning of a lasting football culture that will continue to capture hearts and create heroes for generations to come.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
