Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) recently awarded the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Field with the FIFA Quality Certification seal. Installed by E-Sports International, the first local company to have a field tested for FIFA Certification in the Philippines, the UP Diliman’s newly-minted football grounds is the newest pitch that now holds the international standard label for FIFA Quality. The Quality Certification, under the FIFA Quality Program, is awarded to pitches that meet stringent and globally-recognized criteria for safety, durability, and performance.

“We at E-Sports International are committed to create facilities that provide the ultimate sporting experience,” said Audris Romualdez, Managing Director of E-Sports International. “For UP to receive this certification means that it is capable of holding matches of premier caliber, providing opportunities for more homegrown football players see the global stage. This only shows how serious we are in providing world-class sports facilities.”

E-Sports International, in coordination with FIFA-Preferred Producer and manufacturer Limonta Sport, used Duo Shape P+ 45mm turf with a Shockdrain system for the football pitch. Test engineers from Acousto-Scan visited the football grounds to conduct the FIFA Quality field test, a two-phase procedure that carefully evaluates the turf’s surface composition, ball bounce, player interaction, weather resistance, among others.

“Our longstanding promise is to give athletes exceptional pitches so they can train to be the best they can be. High-quality turf systems should be properly installed and be well maintained to prevent rapid pitch deterioration,” explains Romualdez. “Paying close attention to these factors will guarantee a field’s safety, superior performance, playability, and pitch longevity.”

New Home for the Maroons

E-Sports International started base preparations for the UP Diliman field in May 2018 and finished the project on August. The UP Men’s Football Team (UPMFT), who secured its 18th UAAP championship title in Season 80, are setting its sights to a stronger performance for the 81st season. The UPMFT are now hard at work to bag another title as they train in the brand new UP Diliman Football Field.

The university plans to complete the entire facility housing in time for UAAP Men’s Football Season 81.

Quality is the Norm

Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, home of the Philippines’ National Football Team, was the first football stadium installed by E-Sports to be accredited with the FIFA Quality Certification. E-Sports has also successfully provided FIFA certification to the Biñan Football Stadium.

The company is currently building six additional football fields around the Philippines, two of which will undergo testing by the FIFA Quality Program by the end of the year.

“It is our hope that the football community will see the value of the FIFA Certification. E-Sports believes that good facilities stimulate harmonious and enjoyable sporting experience for players and athletes. We encourage everyone to have fields certified,” Romualdez said.