Text by GRACE C. DIEZ
Diving, rolling, shielding, jumping, catching, bruising, tensing, concentrating, possibly falling face first multiple onto rough grass.
That’s all rather painful to endure for 90 minutes, but that’s Neil for you. He knows what it takes to bring home the gold. His mind – and his body – are trained for nothing less.
Contributing to the Philippines’ 3 – 2 win against DPR Korea just last Tuesday, Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge isn’t only bringing sexy back, he’s bringing football closer to Filipinos.
The goalkeeper’s life
Born in Enfield town to an English father (Martin Etheridge) and a Filipino mom (Merlinda Dula), Neil got an early start on football.
“Growing up in England, football is a very normal thing to do as most kids play it on the streets. I joined a team at a young age and I was one of the lucky few to make football my profession and earn a living from doing something that I love,†Neil says.
He attended the Chelsea Academy in 2003 where he became teammates with James and Phil Younghusband. He started out as a forward but eventually switched to being a goalkeeper at the prodding of their coach.
“I was recruited for the Azkals since my mother is half-Filipino like the Younghusbands’ mom is. We played for the Chelsea Academy together and from there, they contacted me to play and represent the Philippines and become an Azkal,†he narrates.
When he’s off the field, Neil is just like any regular guy who delights in simple pleasures.
“I like to just enjoy life and work hard when I need to. I like shopping and walking around shopping malls, usually stopping off at a restaurant for a nice bite to eat. I spend a lot of time with people (who are close to me) and if I’m not with them, I will probably be watching a television series, relaxing,†he confesses.
“As forward as I can be, I can also be quite shy and people don’t always get to see that side of me. I’m hard working and whatever I do, I will give 100 percent as much as I like to joke around. When I’m working, nothing can stop me. I am very dedicated to what I do. People will sometimes only see the laughter and jokes but once you get to know me, you will see that when called upon to work, that’s the one thing that will be on my mind,†he declares, openly passionate about his sport and profession.
Passing the ball
Shuttling back and forth between England and Manila, Neil was recently back in the country to do something good for his fellow Filipinos.
“It’s always nice being in the Philippines. At the end of the day, it’s like my second home with great people and friends around me. It’s always a pleasure to come back, see everyone, and of course, do the football side of things, too,†he says.
Neil recently set up the Neil Etheridge Goalkeeping School to hone the skills of football players and enthusiasts in the Philippines.
“The Goalkeeping School has always been something that I have wanted to do. This year, with the support of my management group MaC2, I have been able to provide a service helping the goalkeepers around the country improve on a very specialised area of the game. I feel that goalkeeping is an area of the game that is not given as much attention but I would like to slowly change that in the years to come,†Neil explains.
“My main objective would be to improve the goalkeepers’ talents and for those who are unsure on whether they want to become a goalkeeper or an outfield player, it will show them that goalkeeping can be fun and an area on the field that they can enjoy playing,†the goalie says.
The Azkals player stresses the importance of a goalkeeper’s role in a football game saying, “It’s the last line of defense. I think it would be a very different game if a goalkeeper weren’t involved. It’s not the most glamorous part to play on the field and it’s not the position that always gets the most credit, but for me it is a vital part of the game and how the team plays.â€
In the meantime, as he takes baby steps towards building a football-playing Filipino nation, Neil will keep playing football with a passion and help the national football team get better and stronger.
Photography by JO ANN BITAGCOL / Styling by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. Grooming by RIA AQUINO for MAC Cosmetics / Hair by KIERLO Velasco Shot on location at ASCOTT BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY MANILA
Special thanks to JOANNE GOLONG-GOMEZ
Editor’s note: The article featuring these excerpts were first published in PeopleAsia’s special November 2015 issue.Â
