Football future

MANILA, Philippines - Riding on the tails of the Azkals’ success and popularity, 22 young pups of the Philippines’ under-11 team are gearing up to make the country proud, just like their football idols. Their goal, the under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2019.

“The goal is to become the strongest team in the U17 World Cup,” says Albert Almendralejo, a staunch supporter of the team and one of the driving forces behind the young athletes’ training program. There is no other team with a long-term training program that is starting this early, Almendralejo explains. “We are making history,” he says, then quickly amends, “Starting history.”

The U11 team is composed of children from all over the country, selected from thousands of participants in the Philippine Football Federation’s Kasibulan program. The team is composed of five kids from Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro, South Cotabato, Davao, Bukidnon and Dipolog), nine from the Visayas (Cebu, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, and Dumaguete), and eight from Luzon (Laguna and NCR).

“We got the best among all kids, regardless of financial situation,” says Almendralejo, adding that the kids from NCR already had a high level of technique because of the training they received at school or at training programs that they have attended. He says, however, that the training that the whole team will get will eventually even the playing field.

The six-year program includes training for the kids and coaching staff, and lessons on sports science to attend to the health, nutritional, physiological, and psychological needs of the team.  “If we want to be competitive, we need nutrition,” says Almendralejo, pointing out that proper diet is what is most lacking in the team members, especially those who come from underprivileged families.

Long-term commitment from supporters is also essential in making this football dream a reality. So far, the British Council and British embassy – from the land of football fanatics – have stepped up. Through their assistance, the whole team and coaching staff recently took part in a training camp in Loughborough University in Leicestershire, England.

At the three-week camp, the children were able to use the world-class facilities, learn about nutrition, and even spar with their British counterparts – children their age, but almost double their strength.

This being the first time for many of them to be away from their parents – and the first trip abroad for some – the boys battled homesickness, too. Almendralejo credits the Filipino community there for giving their all-out support, providing the kids with jerseys and much longed-for Filipino food during their stay.

Goalkeeper Nikko Gutierrez says of the training camp, “It was difficult, but we’re learning new things.” Vin Joel dela Cruz adds that they all learned discipline and teamwork.

“Fantastic facilities and a very good training camp,” says Robert Orr on what he enjoyed the most about the trip. Michael Osorio adds, it was challenging, but they enjoyed competing and were excited to train.

The young booters, who have become close friends and a real team because of the trip, excitedly share the highlights of the camp – at the top of most of their lists is being able to watch two matches at Wembley Stadium, English football mecca.

Seeing the pros play and being among the electrifying crowd of fans definitely encouraged the kids to keep on training hard.

The kids were also able to meet their Azkals idols – Chieffy, Phil and James. “They inspired us,” says Rob, whose boyish charm could make him the next Phil Younghusband. The Azkals took time out of their busy schedules to visit the boys before they left for England to remind them to keep humble and continue playing and training, which the budding football stars have taken to heart.

Almendralejo recalls one child who brought shoes haphazardly taped together, just so he could have shoes to use during the training camp. The coaches and other adult companions chipped in to buy him a new pair in London.

Many of the kids from the provinces have had to walk far and play in unfavorable conditions just to train in the sport they love. “In spite of all this, here are kids who fight to play football,” says Almendralejo.

When asked about what motivates them, the boys show maturity beyond their years – “Para sa bansa (For country),” says Shane Clemente. Jacob Perdenal puts it simply, “The fact that we’re the national team.”

Joining Nikko, Vin, Robert, Shane, and Jacob on the team are Nikolei San Jose Abalos, Mark Alanquihan, Amir Andre Amaikurut, Josh Asignar, Yuan Rena, Tristan Enad, Charles Unabia, Chevey Celeste, Shemrei Marabillo, Joie Gaid Jr., Greg Naquines, John Karl Soloma, Jill Pillora, Agiel John Rojo, Drexler Valencia, Ildefonso Escobin,  Michael Osorio, and Jose Dante Guitierrez.

U11 head coach Eliezer Fabroada, fondly known as “Coach A,” could not be prouder of his boys. “If there is a sport Filipinos can play well, it’s football,” he says, adding that the U11 team shows great potential.

Like many of the young athletes on the team, Coach A also started when he was in Grade 2, tagging along with his kuyas. A former Loyola Meralco Sparks player and San Beda Lions coach, Coach A says teaching young children is a challenge in itself – especially being sensitive to the emotions of the kids and understanding their disposition and personalities to be able to motivate them.

Coach A, for his part, is motivated by the support given by the British Council and other volunteers, including the children’s parents. He is further pushed by the determination of the boys themselves and their willingness to “sacrifice in pursuit of a dream.”

He is also proud to say that the team learned quickly and showed immediate progress throughout the training camp. During their first game, they lost 2-3 against their stronger and more prepared opponents, who they will likely meet again in the World Cup. But, after training for a few weeks, they beat the same team 4-2, winning by aggregate.

“This early we have proven we can compete and hold our own against them,” says Almendralejo. The win definitely boosted the young team’s confidence in playing on an international scale. The team will also participate in the Malaysia International Invitational for U11 Boys in December.

It’s like the athlete versus the system,” Almendralejo says of the athletics programs in the country. The lack of facilities was especially highlighted after their trip to England, but he calls those from the British Council and the private sector who have helped the team so far a “glimmer of hope” for their dream.

On their journey to the FIFA World Cup, support from both public and private sectors are needed more than ever, but Almendralejo and Coach A remain positive that they will find the support they require because the kids themselves show so much determination and spirit.

Yes, 2019 may still be in the distant future, but many people – and hopefully, many more to come – are working together now to help these young athletes realize their football goals.