Soccer tourney drives kids into sports and a better future

MANILA, Philippines - From kicking cans to soccer balls (photo above) about 120 kids from around the Smokey Mountain-Tondo area formed seven teams and competed in the 1st Caltex Supa Strikas Cup football tournament, organized by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila and Gawad Kalinga (GK), in partnership with Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants.

Held at the GK Field of Dreams, part of the Smokey Mountain dumpsite converted into a football field, the tourney is the culmination of a six-week football clinic led by professional football players and coaches. The football clinic is part of the Caltex Energy for Learning Initiative which invests in projects that provide disadvantaged people with skills and learning to give them better opportunities in life.

Says Abe Tolentino, project chairman, “We chose soccer because it’s a sport that can be practiced anywhere: you just need a small open space to set up a goal. At the same time, learning soccer gives them a chance to obtain sports scholarships when they move on to college. The sport will open doors to a better future. Thanks to Caltex for making the tournament possible.” 

Caltex is the main sponsor of the Supa Strikas soccer team, an innovative comic animation series that revolves around the journey of a poor kid to sports stardom and the valuable lessons he learns along the way. Consistent with the values of Caltex, Supa Strikas inspires kids to work hard, believe in themselves, and pursue great things.