Football Para sa Bayan helps youth live their dreams

MANILA, Philippines - Football may not yet be as popular as basketball in the Philippines, but it is steadily easing its way into the consciousness of many Filipinos, especially after the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

But for some, football is more than just a sport – it is a way of life and a ticket to a brighter future. Sixteen-year old CJ Vicencio did not have plans of going to college. While his mother works as a tutor and his father looking for a job as a driver, his education was put on hold.

Ivan Oberiano also graduated from high school this year. With both parents working abroad, he needs a solid presence that would help him navigate through his teenage years.

Both CJ and Ivan are avid football fans who play for their local communities – Manila-based Leveriza FC and Mandaluyong-based Gregio FC, respectively. Their teams are among those supported by Globe Football Para sa Bayan, a grassroots program for the youth and part of Globe Prepaid’s advocacy to instill values and provide a platform for underprivileged students to stay in school, aspire for higher marks and vie for athletic and academic scholarships.

Little did CJ and Ivan know that Globe Football Para sa Bayan would become an avenue for both of them to find what they were looking for when they were chosen to be part of the Globe Football Para sa Bayan Community Selection Team under the Green Archers United FC, a partner football club of Globe.

The team competed recently in the United Football League (UFL), the biggest club-based league in Metro Manila.

Playing in the UFL enabled CJ and Ivan to compete against some of the best teams in Metro Manila, and showcase their abilities to a broader audience, particularly university scouts.

During the UFL summer league, CJ was invited to try out for the Polytechnic University of the Philippines football team. He was offered a spot on the team with a full ride to the university.

“My parents and I were happy that I got the scholarship. It gave them hope that I’d be able to attend college. Globe has been a big help,” CJ said in Filipino. Today, CJ is studying Physical Education at PUP.

It was a similar experience for Ivan, who caught the eye of scouts from the University of the Philippines. He is studying Sports Science at UP but is considering shifting to business to pursue his dream of becoming a banker.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Ivan in Filipino. “My parents were also happy, and advised me to prioritize my studies.”

Spearheading Globe Football Para Sa Bayan is Chieffy Caligdong, Azkals player and current member of the Green Archers United FC UFL Team. The program has involved more than 6,000 children around the country since its launch last year.