New football facility inaugurated through the AIA Healthiest Schools Football Clinic
AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life, and SM Prime Holdings have unveiled AIA Stadium in Cebu, a new community destination dedicated to football, wellness, and active living.
The launch reinforces AIA Philippines’ commitment to helping Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives by creating more opportunities for communities to move, play, stay healthy, and connect through sport.
“The launch of AIA Stadium, through our partnership with SM Prime Holdings, marks an important milestone in our commitment to helping Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. It will be a community space that reflects our purpose, and strengthens our long-standing presence and growing impact in Cebu, where we serve thousands of policyholders and are supported by hundreds of AIA Life Planners who help families protect their health, finances, and future,” said Katherine Wong, Interim Chief Marketing Officer, AIA Philippines.
A New Home for Football and Community Sports in Cebu
Located at SM Seaside City Cebu, AIA Stadium ushers in a new chapter for football and community sports in the city. The dedicated sports facility is designed to bring quality football experiences closer to athletes, enthusiasts, families, and communities across Cebu.
The opening also marks another milestone in SM Supermalls’ continuing efforts to develop spaces that elevate sports, strengthen communities, promote healthier lifestyles, and inspire the next generation of athletes.
“AIA Stadium reflects the new era of SM Supermalls—creating spaces that elevate sports, champion communities, and help fuel the next generation of athletes. As one of Cebu’s premier lifestyle destinations, SM is proud to host a facility that advances sports development, promotes healthier lifestyles, and brings people together through shared experiences. We believe the stadium will play an important role in strengthening Cebu’s football ecosystem and inspiring more young athletes to pursue their passion for the sport. Through partnerships like this, we continue to create vibrant, community-centered spaces where sports can thrive and communities can grow,” shared Michelle Leslie Llanos, Vice President of Operations, SM Supermalls–Visayas.
Cebu City also welcomed the addition of the new sports facility, recognizing the role of sports in bringing communities together and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
“Cebu has long embraced sports to bring communities together, develop young people, and promote healthier lifestyles. The launch of AIA Stadium is a welcome addition to our city’s growing sports infrastructure, providing a venue where aspiring athletes and residents can learn and play. We are grateful to AIA Philippines and SM Prime Holdings for investing in Cebu to help inspire more Cebuanos to lead active and healthy lives,” shared Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Sr.
Advancing Grassroots Football and Building Healthier Habits for Students
AIA Stadium opened with the AIA Healthiest Schools (AHS) Football Clinic, a two-day grassroots football and wellness program designed for 100 students and 30 local coaches and teachers.
The AIA Healthiest Schools is AIA’s health education program that helps young people develop healthier habits through engaging and practical learning. Its approach focuses on key areas including physical activity, nutrition, mental wellness, and environmental awareness.
The AHS Football Clinic at AIA Stadium was made possible through the support of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, the Department of Education Cebu City Division, and the local government of Cebu.
“AIA Group has been Tottenham Hotspur’s Global Principal Partner since 2013, enabling us to bring world-class football expertise and youth development opportunities to communities across the region. Through the AHS Football Clinic, we have combined Tottenham Hotspur’s coaching approach with the Philippine Football Federation’s grassroots leadership and local coaching expertise in Cebu to create lasting impact. By expanding access to quality football and wellness programs, we are helping build a more sustainable, community-led pathway for children to stay active and thrive,” said Adrian New, AIA Group’s Director of Football Initiatives.
The program featured a Training of Trainers session attended by PFF and AHS local coaches from 11 schools in Cebu City, led by Coach Shannon Moloney, Head of International Development Asia Pacific, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
The session was designed to strengthen the capabilities of coaches so they could bring their learnings back to young players in their respective communities. Training covered coaching philosophy, coaching fundamentals, and holistic player development, equipping local coaches with tools they can apply beyond the clinic.
On the second day, Moloney, together with PFF and AHS coaches, led a football clinic for 100 students from schools across Cebu, giving participants hands-on learning through football drills, skill-building activities, and practical coaching sessions.
A Memorable Football Finale
The two-day event concluded with a 10-minute exhibition match inspired by the viral “1 pro footballer versus 100 kids” challenge, bringing together Team AIA and the 100 participating students.
Team AIA was led by Coach Shannon Moloney, alongside AIA Philippines Brand Ambassador Nico Bolzico and Cebu-based former football players.
The lighthearted yet spirited finale gave the students an opportunity to experience the excitement of playing alongside and against experienced football personalities, while highlighting the values at the heart of the initiative—teamwork, skill, participation, and the unifying power of football.
With AIA Stadium, AIA Philippines and SM Prime Holdings are creating a dedicated space where football, wellness, and community can come together, while supporting grassroots development and encouraging more Filipinos—especially young people—to embrace active and healthier lifestyles.
