Scottish coach Pradhyum Reddy to lead young Filipinas in AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers

Scottish coach Pradhyum Reddy has been appointed as the new head coach of the Philippine national women’s under-17 football team, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) announced on Sunday.

Reddy, a veteran mentor with international experience in India and the United States, will make his debut when the Young Filipinas compete in the 2026 AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers (WACQ) from October 13 to 17 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

“Our national U17 team is preparing intensely to achieve the goal of qualifying for a second consecutive Asian Cup,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez.

The Young Filipinas will open their campaign against Syria, followed by matches against host Tajikistan and Malaysia at the Pamis Stadium.

The 23-member Young Filipinas squad is composed of Maela Angela Javier, Leah Parker Bradley, Louraine Harvey Evangelista, Aiselyn Marie Sia, Brooke Anika Solis, Richelle Kaye Matondo, Luna Catalina Rivera, Jilliana Winstelle Dagpin, Carlene Marie Isabella Dy, and Andrean Marguerite Bautista. Also included are Sofhia Muros, Ashly Daniela Hughes, Aryana Nadine Capsa, Ellie De Leon, Chiara Angelina Mizzo, Kaida Elizabeth Mizzo, Lauren Marie Taylor Tiangco, Martina Horn, Ariana Enderes, Audrey Reese Jamaila Alviar, Candice Salas, Yurika Amor Valdevieso, and Sonia Beatrix del Rosario.

Joining Reddy in the coaching staff are Surinder Singh of India and James Sasiadek of the United States as assistant coaches, Ali Uzunhasanoglu of England and Turkey as goalkeeping coach, and Lozano of the Philippines as team manager.

Reddy is regarded as one of Indian football’s most experienced tacticians, known for combining European tactical acumen with a deep understanding of Indian and American football systems. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and structure to the Philippines’ youth football program.

The Young Filipinas aim to return to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, set for May 2026 in China. At the 2024 edition in Indonesia, the team came close to a historic semifinal berth—and a possible FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualification—after a stunning 6–1 victory over Indonesia and a 1–1 draw with powerhouse South Korea in the group stage.

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