Banking on ‘futures’

When you’ve got a vision, there is direction in what you do. Your focus is sharp. Your effort is concentrated. You set out to accomplish a goal. You know what it takes to achieve it. You know how to get there. And to the best of your ability, you try to get the job done.

With Philippine tennis long in the doldrums, a group of enthusiasts decided to stem the tide and reverse the trend two years ago. Futures Tennis Scholarship Foundation, or simply Futures, was established to promote the development of the sport by providing assistance and support to its beneficiaries, particularly outstanding junior players.

Founding Futures president Al Agra was motivated by a vision of reliving the glory days of Philippine tennis when Gil Fargas, Felicisimo Ampon, Rey Deyro and Johnny Jose were among Asia’s best. He is convinced that the country has no dearth of talent–it’s just a matter of harnessing resources, creating opportunities, and paving the way for Filipino netters to get back on track.

Agra was determined to do something about the downturn. He saw that at the last Southeast Asia (SEA) Games, no Filipino won either a gold or silver in tennis–the first time the country was blanked in eight years. Sure, there were two bronzes but Agra was concerned that without an integrated long-term program to produce future champions, it would be increasingly difficult to surpass or even duplicate the haul of three golds, four silvers and three bronzes from tennis in 1993.

With Manila tapped to host the SEA Games in 2005, Agra took the bull by the horns.

As the driving force behind Futures, Agra conjured these images in 10 years: Filipino players landing in the top 10 of the ITF (International Tennis Federation) juniors and top 100 in the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and WTA (World Tennis Association). Filipino world-class homegrown tennis players in the open and junior categories in both singles and doubles. The country participating in the 2012 Olympics and maintaining a creditable standing in the Davis and Federation Cups. At least five percent of the total Philippine population playing tennis. At least 500 ranking players in each age-group.

Regular and programmed exposure of junior, open and senior tennis players in international tennis events and tours. A healthy mix of tournaments in the junior and open divisions, singles and doubles in Metro Manila and the provinces. A developed program, ranking system and regular tournaments for seniors, executives, club players and the differently-abled. Tennis as a major school sport in the regular physical education program. Tennis courts and junior programs in clubs, villages and local government units (LGUs). Sustained corporate and individual sponsorship of tennis events. Institutionalization of a support, reward and recognition mechanism for players, coaches, umpires, pros and organizations involved in tennis. Regional centers of tennis excellence. At least 20 certified coaches, 20 certified umpires and a mutual help system for pros in every region.

Is Agra dreaming? He’ll probably be the first to admit that he is. So what’s wrong with that? A dream is a vision. It provides a sense of purpose. And for Agra, that’s the whole essence of Futures–you follow your dream and make it come true.

Is his vision a pipe dream or is it realizable? Futures’ track record of performance is a strong indicator that it’s not an impossible dream.

Since its inception two years ago, Futures has provided financial assistance for 21 outstanding juniors who competed in the Asia-Pacific region, established a venue by which 15 top-ranked girls from 11 to 17 regularly compete against each other and train together, leased condo units in Manila where 68 provincial junior players and their parents and coaches stayed for free during tournaments, initiated tennis programs in three LGUs, extended comprehensive support to two outstanding 14-and-under junior players (Ralph Kevin Barte and Kyle Joshua Dandan), organized two local tournaments, conducted seminars (topics included plyometrics and nutrition), published a newsletter, launched a website, sponsored a bingo and worked out relationship agreements with Adidas, Mandaluyong City, Toby’s, Sports Resources, and the Friends of Futures including Edu Manzano who donated a third of his winnings in "Game Ka Na Ba."

Next month, Futures is sponsoring an ITF leg of the international juniors circuit for 18-and-under girls and boys in singles and doubles at the Ynares Socio-Cultural Sports Center in Pasig. Players from the US, Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Nigeria and India are definitely seeing action in the Category 5 joust on Oct. 6-12.

"Futures is passionately committed to helping junior tennis players realize their dreams," said Agra. "We sincerely believe that the country does not lack the talent. Futures shares the dreams and in the process, touches the lives of kids and hopefully by doing so, inspires others to excel, hope and strive harder."

Agra and his wife Evangeline are proud parents of two promising tennis kids but they executed an undertaking that they will not facilitate, authorize or allow the use of Futures funds for the benefit of their children. That kind of transparency is something our government leaders should emulate.

The Futures Board of Trustees is composed of Agra, his wife, Domingo Feliciano, Luisito Hipolito, Vic Nalus, Remigio Flores and Lisa Go. The Advisory Council is made up of Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Juanito Cueto, Wigberto Tanada, Jose Claudio, Johnny Jose, Felix Barrientos, Gladys Imperial, Jennifer Saret, Dr. Neal Orteza and Cook Ben Ngo.