July in the Philippines is hot and humid, a far cry from the frost-covered fields and finger-freezing winters of Canberra. But that hasn’t stopped Buglas Filipinas from making the long journey to compete in this season’s Kanga Cup U15 Girls Plate.
The club is no stranger to international competitions, travelling to Singapore in 2023 to compete against international teams at the SingaCup. But the journey to Australia is the next step for the Bacolod-based side, according to Manager Jeffery Lomugdang.
“2023 we did Singapore, and we played against two Australian teams and the Singapore team,” Lomugdang said. “Kanga Cup is one of our dreams since it’s going to be a challenge. It’s the first time for the team and the organisation to compete intercontinental, this one is very different.”
Buglas Filipinas have gone the extra step on their hunt for Kanga Cup glory, bringing Philippine football royalty along for their journey. Elmer Lacknet Bedia, former Philippines National Team player and three-time Mr. Football Philippines, has high hopes for the travelling squad’s futures and understands the importance international tournaments have on player development.
“We came here for the big exposure for these kids and of course, the International Tournament is a big result for these kids football career,” Bedia said. “Our Philippine Women’s National Team has qualified for the Asian Cup in Australia, so most of these Girls will hopefully make it to the top level one day.”
The focus on high-level practices doesn’t end with Bedia either, as the team has a strong focus on strength and conditioning — something Lomugdang has adopted from watching the national team.
“We brought in a coach from one of the universities, and she was also involved in the College team,” Lomugdang said. “She adopted this (bands) to help them with their leg conditioning, strengthening, it’s mostly common in the national team — you have to follow what they are doing.”
Despite setting their sights on winning their competition, Lomugdang knows that there is nothing more important than the experience his team will get from competing.
“Number one, it’s the new experience, new culture, new climate environment” Lomugdang said. “And what they learn from here, they can bring it back and they can encourage the younger ones. And with their journey, they have already been through a lot of challenges, preparing for an away game, very, very, away game. It’s a new world.”
It really is a new world for the entire playing squad as none of them have ever travelled to Australia or played football in the tough conditions a Canberra winter brings.
“That’s the main problem with us because I came yesterday on 38 degrees and come here for this winter,” Bedia said. “Hopefully they can adjust earlier so that they can play well.”
Despite the conditions, Bedia is hopeful the support of the travelling family members will spur the team on to overcome these challenges.
“Maybe it will affect 10%,” Bedia admitted, “but because of the support of the family here in Canberra, hopefully they can’t forget the coldness.”
Words: James Whybrow
