LOS ANGELES, California - When I first raised my hand to contribute to Pinoy Soccer I had a pretty vague idea about what I wanted to share with you. Perhaps “vague” is too harsh a word. The world of football is just so large and so rich that there is so much to talk about. Let’s just say that I envisioned myself as being the contributor with “general thoughts and ideas.” This writer also makes no claims to being an expert on our sport, thus the title to this space.

My base is currently in the United States, but I am proud to say that my footballing roots are firmly planted in the Philippines. Planting began in the mid to late 1970’s. To some of you this might as well be days of the karitela. Fortunately, I just happen to know that some PS regulars shared that ride with me behind the horse, so I think that I’m in good company.

What are my roots? Well, my footballing experience began in the school leagues with the, sadly, defunct RIFA and three years of the NCAA juniors. Within that latter period I also played with Garuda, a team of Indonesian expatriates. Stints with the University of the Philippines youth team, Universal Textiles and Magnolia rounded out that chapter of my career. These were teams that played in a national league of the kind we are familiar with in other nations. It had three divisions, relegation and promotion. In a future article I hope to tell you more about those good old days of Philippine football.

Footballing is now long over for me. For the last two and a half decades, however, I have remained a fervent follower of the beautiful game. Whether from the couch or the stands, it makes no difference. Football is the air I breathe. Watching the daily football news on television is the first thing I do every single morning and, if it were not for my long-suffering spouse, football would be the last thing I see at night. I support teams on three continents in five countries, which is not easy on the pocketbook, but someone's got to do it. Work? "Work is what you do so you can afford to watch football," a friend once told me. I find it very hard to disagree.

Now that I’ve established my (maniacal) credentials let me tell you a little about what to expect from this space. In the future I will bring you some of my reactions to international or local football news, a few peeks into the funnier side of the game, a footy book or video review every now and then, depending on how fast I can read (is Evelyn Woods still doing business in the Philippines?) and anything that might tickle your fancy. Yes, I’m also open to suggestions. In fact, I’m looking for sub-contractors to work as ghost writers. Don’t tell Alain, ok?

Love it or hate it, let me know what you think of my stuff. Whatever I inspire in you I hope it will not be boredom.

Comments (3) >>

Jonas Cruz said:

Hey man, am gonna spread the word around.

May 12, 2007

Eduard Smit said:

Thanks, Peter. The check is in the mail. Don't spend it all in one place!

May 11, 2007

Peter Young said:

Eduard, What's this about making no claims to being an expert in our sport. You're one of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to our game. I look forward to reading your column although my primary interest is England's national team; I know you are full of ideas and invariably take sound positions on the controversial issues of the day. All the best, Peter Young Webmaster, England Football Online www.englandfootballonline.com

May 10, 2007 | url

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