United Football League
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United Football League (Philippines)
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| Countries |  Philippines |
|---|---|
| Confederation | AFC (Asia) |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Number of teams | 10 (Division 1) 12 (Division 2) |
| Relegation to | UFL Division 2 |
| League cup(s) | United Football Cup |
| Current champions | Philippine Air Force (2010–11) |
| Most championships | Philippine Air Force (2) |
| TV partners | AKTV |
| Website | UFL Philippines |
 2011–12 United Football League |
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The United Football League, commonly known as UFL, is an association football league in the Philippines, governed by the United Football Clubs Association.[1] The league is composed of two divisions, the first division with 10 clubs and the second with 12 clubs playing a double round-robin format. Like most football leagues around the world, it adopts the standard point system wherein match winners receive three points and losers get none. Each club receives a point, on the other hand, if the match ends in a draw.[2] To avoid the country's rainy season, the tournament is usually played from January to June each year.[3] The league is currently sponsored by LBC Express Inc., and it is officially known as the LBC United Football League.
The league started as semi-professional tournament in 2009.[4] Since then, it has been described as a thriving football league, organized by former football players and aficionados.[5] At present, it is organized by the Football Alliance, whose long-term goal is the continued development of football in the Philippines through a premier league.[6]
Since the UFL first started, only one club has been crowned league champions. The current defending champions are Philippine Air Force, who won the title in the 2010–11 season.[7][8]
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Contents
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History
Origins and foundation
In September 2009, with the aim of reviving the interest of Filipinos in the sport, the Football Alliance discussed with United Football Clubs Association president Christopher Hagedorn the possibility of creating a football league in the Philippines. At the time, the Filipino Premier League, the country's top level football league governed by the Philippine Football Federation, has already been discontinued after its inaugural season. Instead of creating a whole system and competition, the United Football Clubs Association agreed to partner with the Football Alliance in operating the United Football League, which was then a semi-professional league.
| Season | Champions |
|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Philippine Air Force |
| 2010–11 | Philippine Air Force |
| 2011–12 |
Corporate backing
The first season of the UFL was made possible with the aid of several local companies including LBC Express Inc., Magma Inflatables, 2GO, Mutual Fund Management Corp., ATR Kim Eng, and Orient Freight.[9]
Founding members
The inaugural year of the league was held in 2009–10, and was originally composed of 16 local clubs. The 16 founding teams of the league were Philippine Air Force, Kaya FC, Union Manila, Loyola FC, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Green Archers United, Mendiola United, Global FC, Manila Nomads, Mama Africa FC, United South FC, Sunken Garden United, Manila Lions, Japan FC, and Diliman.
Expansion year
After the end of 2010–11 United Football League season, AKTV Network became the new TV partner with the signing of a P150 million (~$3.4 million), 5-year deal with two live matches every week.[10]
Seven new clubs entered the league after the successful third season of United Football Cup. Agila FC, Cebu Queen City FC, Diliman FC, Forza FC, Laos FC, Pachanga FC and Team Socceroo FC are distributed in the UFL Division 2, which started on 14 January 2012.[11] Three clubs from the second division were also promoted to UFL Division 1, namely: Nomads, Pasargad, and Stallion FC.[12]
In December 2011, UFL president Randy Roxas said that they have entered into discussions with the Philippine Football Federation regarding the possibility of sending the league champions to the AFC President's Cup, a third-tier club competition that is run by the Asian Football Confederation.[13]
On April 2012, the United Football League struck a deal to use the artificial pitch that will be constructed by real estate giant Megaworld Corporation at McKinley Hill in Taguig City. The field will be known as the McKinley Hill Football Field. Work on the field is targeted to be completed by September just in time for the start of the new season in October. This will be followed by the construction of a grandstand that can accommodate 2,000 people which they aim to finish by middle of 2013. [14]
Seasons
The regular season of the United Football League is composed of two competitions, namely: the United Football Cup, a knockout-tournament that allows clubs to participate regardless of their division, and the league, which are separate round-robin tournaments for clubs in the first division and second division.[15]
Sponsorship
Since its inception, the United Football League has received corporate sponsorship. After air cargo delivery service company LBC Express Inc. committed as its principal sponsor in October 2009, the league kicked off as a premier tournament composed of several football teams around the nation.[16]
- 2009–2011: LBC (LBC United Football League)
Current clubs by division
The following clubs are competing in the 2011–12 season based on list released by the United Football League on their official Facebook page last December 15, 2011.
Division 1
| Club | Head Coach | Team captain | Kitmaker | Shirt sponsor | 2010–11 position | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force | Edzel Bracamonte |
Yanti Barsales |
Phoenix | 1st | ||
| Global | Edwin Cabalida |
 Badrelin Elhabbib |
LGR Athletic | 2nd | ||
| Green Archers United | Rodolfo Alicante |
Patrick Bacobo |
LGR Athletic | Globe Telecom | 6th | |
| Kaya | Michael Angelo Alvarez |
Aly Borromeo |
Mizuno | LBC Express Inc. | 4th | |
| Loyola Meralco Sparks |  Kim Chul-Su |
James Younghusband |
Mizuno | Meralco | 5th | |
| Manila Nomads |  Michael Denison |
 Randy Musters |
Fila | Auction Manila | Promoted | 1st in Division 2 |
| Pasargad |  Esmail Sedigh / Joel Villarino |
Mansour Madadi |
Planet Sports | Promoted | 3rd in Division 2 | |
| Philippine Army | Patricio Bumidang |
Roel Gener |
Puma | Fritz & Macziol | 3rd | |
| Philippine Navy | Marlon Maro |
Loreto Kalalang |
Red Juice | 7th | ||
| Stallions | Ernie Nierras / Eun Hyung Pee |
Reuben Doctora |
Nike | Gilligan's Grill and Bar | Promoted | 2nd in Division 2 |
Division 2
| Club | Head Coach | Team captain | Kitmaker | Shirt sponsor | 2010–11 position | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agila | Carlo Jose Rodriguez |
Mark Alvin Valeroso |
Adidas | New Entry | ||
| Cebu Queen City United | Mario Ceniza |
Jan Michael Flores |
Cebu Landmaster | New Entry | ||
| Diliman | Salvador Alberto Salvacion |
Jose Andoni Santos |
Adidas | Antonov Vodka | Re-Entry | Appeared last 2009-10 Season |
| Dolphins United | Greg Calawod |
Romnick Echin |
4th | |||
| Forza |  Azlan Nazir |
New Entry | ||||
| Laos F.C. | Ronald Patulin |
New Entry | ||||
| Manila All-Japan |  Ryo Kono |
MGK | 8th | |||
| Manila Lions | Casper Ngo |
Meltique Beef | 6th | |||
| Pachanga F.C. | Norman Fegidero |
Yves Ashime |
New Entry | |||
| Sunken Garden United | Ryan Saranillo |
7th | ||||
| Team Socceroo | Alfredo Estacion |
Mike Reyes |
Adidas | Regent Properties | New Entry | |
| Union Internacional Manila | Rafael Rodriguez |
Rudy Project | 5th |
United Football Cup
Main article: United Football Cup
The United Football Cup, also known as the UFL Cup, is an association football competition in the Philippines that runs from mid-October to mid-December.[17] The cup is a single-elimination tournament where clubs from both divisions of the United Football League are eligible to compete. In addition, the competition is also open to local clubs in the country that have passed the requirements set by the Football Alliance.[18]
After defeating the Loyola Meralco Sparks in the finals, Philippine Air Force were crowned the 2010–11 UFL Cup champions.[19]
Venues
Primary venues used in the United Football League:
| Manila | Taguig | Makati |
|---|---|---|
| Rizal Memorial Football Stadium | ASCOM Football Field | University of Makati Stadium |
| Capacity: 12,873[20] | Capacity: 1,000[21] | Capacity: 4,000[22][23] |
 |
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| Muntinlupa | Taguig | Parañaque |
| Alabang Country Club | Turf@BGC, Bonifacio Global City | Nomads Sports Club |
| Capacity: N/A | Capacity: N/A | Capacity: 3,000[21] |
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Golden boot winners
Division 1
| Season | Player | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Izzo Elhabbib |
Global | unknown |
| 2010–11 | Misagh Bahadoran |
Kaya | 7 |
Broadcast partners
- AKTV (2011–present)
See also
References
- ^ Josue Jamlang (January 22, 2010). "Are you ready for UFL 2010?". PhilStar.com (The Philippine Star). http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=542919&publicationSubCategoryId=69. Retrieved 2011-02-21. "Football has truly arrived in the Philippines with the conception of the Football Alliance. By bringing the United Football League — which has been running for the past eight years — to a higher and more professional standard, footballers around the country now have a venue where they can strive to showcase their talent, creativity and skill. With 22 teams, two tightly contested divisions, and glory waiting to be snatched, the UFL is ready to display all the reasons why football is the most widely followed and played sport throughout the world. For those who were privileged enough to catch the inaugural match of the UFL-LBC Cup unfold last year, it is not surprising if this year's opening games draw high expectations and immense anticipation. In the previous two-month-long tournament, where the Philippine Air Force F.C. squad was crowned champion in an all-AFP final, spectators were treated to a plethora of razor-thin matches brimming with passion and teamwork."
- ^ Cheska D. Geli (January 26, 2011). "Cebuano Azkal changes goal". Sun Star. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/cebuano-azkal-changes-goal. Retrieved 2011-02-21. "Since the situation would not allow him to pursue school in Cebu as trainings are conducted in Manila, the young Pascual has to continue his studies in Manila while he attends the national team trainings and probably play for the Global FC in the United Football League."
- ^ Jack Biantan (February 18, 2011). "Biantan: Time for SMC to help footie". Sun Star. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/sports/biantan-time-smc-help-footie. Retrieved 2011-02-12. "Charlie Cojuanco the president of the Negros Football Association (NOFA), is the son of Danding. He also loves football; that is the reason why he leads NOFA. Charlie also has a team in the United Football League (UFL), Union FC."
- ^ Joaquin Henson (February 12, 2011). "Another windfall in store for Phl XI". PhilStar.com (The Philippine Star). http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=656609. Retrieved 2011-02-12. "Gregorio explained that the Premier League will not compete with the United Football League (UFL), a two-division circuit now on its third season."
- ^ Jack Biantan (January 2, 2011). "Welcome 2011". Sun Star. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/sports/welcome-201. Retrieved 2011-02-21. "United Football League (UFL) is a thriving Manila-based football league organized by the former footballers and supported by moneyed football aficionados. I wish that the league will do better and get the recognition it deserves and expand to the provinces."
- ^ Jack Biantan (February 14, 2011). "Biantan: Do not rush". Sun Star. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/opinion/biantan-do-not-rush. Retrieved 2011-02-21. "There is an ongoing league in Manila, the United Football League which is organised by the group Football Alliance."
- ^ Josue Jamlang (March 12, 2010). "Philippine Air Force F.C. trumps Loyola ATR, claims top spot". Philippine Star. http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=557286&publicationSubCategoryId=69. Retrieved 2011-02-21. "It was the battle of the Armed Forces against the college-based sides last weekend, and it was perfectly clear who prevailed at the end of the three matches. With Navy Selecta breezing past Green Archers Orient Freight, Philippine Air Force F.C. surprisingly thumping Loyola ATR KimEng, and Army Phiten hammering Mendiola, the Armed Forces showcased why they are considered to be among the UFL’s toughest teams. Also follow the LBC United Football League..."
- ^ Joaquin Henson (March 23, 2010). "No discrimination, football coach urges". Philippine Star. http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=560454&publicationSubCategoryId=69. Retrieved 2011-02-21. "“Edwin Cabalida is the Philippine Air Force football team coach. PAF just won the first United Football League title. Edwin holds an AFC ‘B’ license and has been attached to numerous national teams as staff for foreign coaches, including Bulpin."
- ^ Joaquin Henson (2009-09-24). "Boost for football". PhilStar.com (The Philippine Star). http://www.philstar.com/thedeanscorner/columnscontent.aspx?articleid=508147&publicationsubcategoryid=69. Retrieved 2011-08-31.
- ^ Jarloc, Glaiza (2011-09-20). "Football matches air on AKTV starting October". Sun Star (Manila). http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/entertainment/2011/09/20/football-matches-air-aktv-starting-october-180415. Retrieved 2011-10-22.
- ^ de Guzman, Mikhail (15 December 2011). "Seven New Clubs Enter UFL 2nd Division". Soccer Central Philippines. http://soccercentral.ph/news/seven-new-clubs-enter-ufl-2nd-division. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
- ^ Tupas, Cedelf (18 December 2011). "UFL promotes three teams to first division". Inquirer.net. http://sports.inquirer.net/29465/ufl-promotes-three-teams-to-first-division. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
- ^ Leyba, Olmin (2011-12-14). "UFL champ to vie in AFC Pres Cup?". Philippine Star (Manila). http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?articleid=758283&publicationsubcategoryid=69. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
- ^ UFL partners with Megaworld for new football homefield InterAKTV, April 24, 2012
- ^ "United Football Cup". UFL Philippines. http://www.uflphilippines.com.ph/about.html. Retrieved 2011-12-04.
- ^ "UFCA, Football Alliance and the United Football League". Football Alliance. http://www.footballalliance.ph/league/about.php. Retrieved 2011-08-30.
- ^ Olivares, Rick (07 August 2011). "UFL Cup to kick off with smashing changes’". Business Mirror (Manila). http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/14795-ufl-cup-to-kick-off-with-smashing-changes. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
- ^ de Guzman, Mikhail (14 July 2011). "Calling All Clubs! The UFL Needs YOU!". Soccer Central Philippines. http://soccercentral.ph/news/calling-all-clubs-ufl-needs-you. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
- ^ Tordecilla, Jaemark (10 December 2011). "Air Force blanks Loyola to win UFL Cup". InterAKTV. http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/air-force-blanks-loyola-to-win-ufl-cup. Retrieved 11 January 2012.
- ^ Leyba, Olmin (21 June 2011). "Rizal can only seat 13,000". The Philippine Star. http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=698362&publicationSubCategoryId=69. Retrieved 04 November 2011.
- ^ a b "Stadiums in the Philippines". WorldStadiums.com. http://www.worldstadiums.com/asia/countries/philippines.shtml. Retrieved 04 November 2011.
- ^ "University of Makati Stadium". sports.opera.com. http://sports.opera.com/?sport=soccer&page=venue&id=8053&localization_id=www. Retrieved 04 November 2011.
- ^ "University of Makati Stadium". soccerway.com. http://www.soccerway.com/venues/philippines/university-of-makati-stadium/. Retrieved 04 November 2011.
External links
- Official website
- United Football League Philippines at Facebook.com
- United Football League Philippines at Twitter.com
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