A Look Back at the Exciting 2017 Philippines Football League Season

I still vividly remember the 2017 Philippines Football League season as if it were yesterday - what an absolutely thrilling time for football in our country. Having followed Philippine football for over a decade now, I can confidently say that 2017 marked a turning point that many of us in the sports community had been waiting for. The inaugural season of the PFL brought professional football to our shores in a way we'd never seen before, and the excitement was palpable from the opening whistle back in May that year.

What made that season particularly special was how it showcased the growing talent pipeline in Philippine football. I recall watching matches where young players demonstrated the kind of skill development that reminded me of comments I'd heard from athletes in other sports. There was this memorable quote from a volleyball player about her teammate that resonated with me: "Malaki yung chance ni ate Aly kasi maganda yung pinapakita niya and maganda yung mga naipakita niya this past UAAP seasons namin and sa international leagues." That sentiment perfectly captured what we were seeing in football too - players who had honed their skills in collegiate leagues and international exposures were now bringing that experience to our professional stage. The transition from amateur to professional football was happening right before our eyes, and the quality of play reflected this maturation.

The league structure itself was revolutionary for Philippine football. Eight teams competed in a home-and-away format - something we'd never properly had before. Ceres-Negros, who I must admit became my favorite team to watch, dominated the season with what I consider some of the most beautiful football I've seen played in the country. They finished with 57 points from their 21 matches, losing only twice throughout the entire campaign. That's dominance you simply can't ignore. Global Cebu, now there was a team that played with heart - they pushed Ceres every step of the way and finished just 6 points behind. The rivalry between these two squads produced matches that had fans like me on the edge of our seats week after week.

What often gets overlooked when people discuss that season is how the league's launch impacted football infrastructure across the country. I traveled to watch matches in three different venues that season, and the gradual improvements in facilities were noticeable. From the packed stands at Rizal Memorial Stadium to the growing crowds in provincial venues, there was this tangible sense that football was finally getting the professional platform it deserved. The average attendance of around 1,200 fans per match might not sound impressive to outsiders, but for those of us who remembered the sparse crowds of previous years, it felt like a revolution.

The season culminated in what I still believe was one of the most dramatic title races in Philippine football history. Ceres-Negros ultimately lifted the trophy, but the journey there was anything but straightforward. Their crucial 2-1 victory over Global Cebu in September essentially decided the championship, and I was fortunate enough to witness that match in person. The atmosphere was electric - you could feel the importance of the moment. Players from both sides displayed the kind of technical proficiency and tactical awareness that proved how far Philippine football had come. Looking back, that 2017 season set the foundation for everything that followed in Philippine club football. It proved that professional football could work here, that fans would come out to support their teams, and most importantly, that our local talent could compete at a high level. The league wasn't perfect - we still had issues with scheduling and venue availability - but it represented hope. For someone who's loved this sport since childhood, watching that first professional season unfold felt like witnessing the birth of something truly special, something that would shape Philippine football for years to come.