The Azkals Development Team holds a special place in the heart of United City FC captain Stephan Schrock.
Majority of the ADT players went to battle with Schrock as they represented the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games hosted by the country last year.
Schrock, one of two players over 22 years old allowed to play, skippered the SEA Games side that recorded memorable wins over Malaysia and Timor Leste.
And although the team fell short of making the knockout stage of the tournament, Schrock considers the experience as one of the highlights of his checkered career.
Schrock calls his Under-22 teammates “kids” and expects “good things” from them in the 2020 Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways.
“Of course, the kids, they have a special place in my heart,” said Schrock in an interview with CNN Philippines’ Andrei Felix.
“Three weeks (together) at the SEA Games, I would say it was probably the most enjoyable tournament I played in my career.”
Schrock said the PFL stint of the ADT is crucial to the development of the next generation of Azkals stars.
“It’s very important to have them in the league and for them to adjust to senior football, to play week in, week out against the best players and best teams in the country,” said Schrock.
“It’s a massive challenge and I’m very very happy to see them because there are really good quality guys for the future and with Scott Cooper coaching the team, I expect a lot of good things from them since he is also coaching the Azkals.”
Cooper’s squad has stalwarts from last year’s SEA Games, including Jarvey Gayoso, Mar Diano, Christian Rontini and Yrick Gallantes.
“They have a very, very promising future,” said Schrock of the ADT players.