MANILA, Philippines -- Third-division Spanish football club Internacional de Madrid (CFIM) is willing to open a football academy in the Philippines to help in the development of the sport in the country, according to the club's chairman, Stephen Newman.

The club is set to play a charity match against the Philippine Azkals and United Football League (UFL) standouts on January 7 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, with all proceeds going to the victims of the Tropical Storm Sendong.

The match, named "Dili Kamo Nag-iisa," will also be broadcast live on Studio 23.

"We clearly have come over with one objective, which is to help raise money for this charity," Newman said. "But after having spoken to a number of people and having received such a warm welcome, I think the Philippines has a great hunger for learning and developing football."

Newman said that after the charity game, the organization will be willing to "discuss the possibility of having a football academy here in the Philippines."

He stressed that for the Philippines to continue improving in football, there must be a strong grassroots program.

"Clearly, you have good players in Europe, born in Europe from a Philippine family," Newman said, specifically mentioning Phil and James Younghusband.

"But I don't think in the future, going forward, you will be able to depend entirely on those type of footballers being imported back to the Philippines," he said.

Newman suggested looking for young children who show potential for football, as well as getting trained coaches and staff who can develop those children.

Newman added that while the Philippines still has a long way to go, he is confident the country will continue to climb up the international rankings.

"Hopefully, one day the Spanish national team will be able to come here and play a game in Manila," he said.

The Philippine Azkals finished 2011 ranked 159th by FIFA. Spain is ranked No. 1 and their national team won the World Cup in 2010.