For ’em young kids, football is the real thing

MANILA, Philippines - Over 2,700 players aged five to 17 years and representing 180 teams trooped to the sun-baked Alabang Country Club yesterday for the third edition of the Coca-Cola Football Festival.

It’s the biggest turnout so far for the annual summer event. But Coca-Cola Philippines president and general manager Guillermo Aponte said it’s not just about the numbers.

“It’s a social responsibility,” the Colombian executive said.

Aponte was happy to see the young boys and girls, who came from as far as Vigan, Masbate and Quezon, at play, practically covering every square inch of the field.

“This festival has all the elements and it’s very relevant to see parents and siblings all together and watching their family members play. This is what Coca-Cola is embedded in – family values and sharing the happiness,” he said.

Aponte credited the continued success of the festival to the success being enjoyed by the Philippine national team over the last couple of years.

“Basketball remains as the national pastime here. But as the national team took home recognition from international leagues, interest and love for the sport began to spread fast,” he added.

Every young football player wants to be an Azkal.

“We are encouraged by the fact that more individuals are taking interest in the sport with now an estimated 100,000 players nationwide,” said Adel Tamano, vice president for public affairs and communication of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Because of the huge number of participants, organizers have made it a two-day festival, and it’s just hard to tell how big it could get in the years to come.

Aponte said there’s no limit to what the festival has to offer.

“Our vision is to make this Coca-Cola Football Festival a national one. We’re open to everybody who wants to join,” said the top executive.

He said the plan is to involve more teams from regions up north and down south, and hold more regional competitions leading up to the festival.

“They can all earn the right to join the festival in Manila. We can certainly explore that in the future because the vision is to make this inclusive for everybody,” Aponte said.

The festival, which ends today, is a collaborative effort among Coca-Cola Philippines, Powerade, Makati Football Club, Alabang Football School, Alabang Country Club and the National Capital Region Football Association.

Aponte said the support from Coca-Cola in promoting football as well as basketball, running and dance in the Philippines is just part of its worldwide campaign to promote youth in sports.

“We need to promote the youth doing more exercise than staying home watching TV and in their play stations but go out and exercise and turn a sedentary life into a more active one.

“We want to make the youth live a healthier life. Sports is for the youth and we at Coca-Cola want to do something that can really make a difference in the society,” Aponte stressed.

He assured a bigger and bolder festival in the coming years.

“As we learn and improve our capability we expect that. We want to make this festival a true festival for family, friendship and fair play,” he said.

For Coca-Cola, it’s the real thing.