World vision, AFC kick off ‘One goal’

MANILA, Philippines -  Soccer, more widely known as football, is arguably the most popular sport. Over 3.5 billion fans follow the FIFA World Cup, the most anticipated and watched sporting event in the world. In Asia alone, football enjoys a 1.4 billion-strong fan base.

While football does not enjoy huge popularity in the Philippines, the international success of the national team, Azkals, has sparked interest among Filipino sports fans and aspiring athletes.

To develop a love of the sport among Filipino children while teaching them proper nutrition, international child focused organization World Vision, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) have teamed up for ‘One Goal’.

The campaign is a global initiative that seeks to promote good nutrition among children through sports development. This is achieved through football and volleyball coaching lessons and a summer camp. Among the countries with an active ‘One Goal’ program are Australia and Malaysia.

“It is our joint dream, with the two football organizations, to develop a new breed of Filipino football athletes that can compete in the international football arena,” explains Jun Godornes, World Vision associate director for public engagement.

The Philippine launch for ‘One Goal’ was held last November 30 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila University Field with AFC officials and delegates from all over Asia in attendance.

The event also marked the return of AFC to the Philippines to celebrate its 60th anniversary. AFC, the governing body of football organizations in 47-member countries in Asia, was founded in Manila in 1954.

From November 28-30, 300 school children from 21 public elementary schools in Manila were trained on basic football techniques by coaches from the PFF. In addition, parents and teachers of the school children were also educated on proper nutrition and preparing healthy meals and baon in workshops facilitated by nutrition experts.

“Our advocacy is to promote improved nutrition, life skills and healthy lifestyle, starting with the family and the schools. That is why we are reaching out to mothers and teachers who have direct access and influence on what children eat,” Godornes explained.

Throughout 2015, ‘One Goal’ will be implemented across the country, particularly in schools in the provinces that do not have any prior football program.

“Proper nutrition also plays a crucial part in sports development.

By ensuring that children are healthy, active and well-trained, we give them an equal chance to compete, first nationally and then represent the country in international tournaments. We hope that some of the kids we train would eventually join the Philippine team,” he added.

To learn more about ‘One Goal’, visit http://www.wvi.org/asia-pacific/video/one-goal-nutrition-every-child.