Globe taps Azkals skipper Caligdong for grassroots program

MANILA, Philippines -- Azkals skipper Chieffy Caligdong will spearhead Globe Telecom's Football Para sa Bayan 2014, a grassroots program for underprivileged youth.

Caligdong, who also plays for Globe Telecom-bankrolled Green Archers United in the United Football League (UFL), will grace the launching of football tournaments in Metro Manila and Iloilo.

The Manila leg will kick-off this weekend, February 22, while Caligdong's homecoming in Iloilo where hails from the town of Pototan, will lbe launched on March 8 to 9.

The Metro Manila event will be held in partnership with the Philippine Navy at the Fleet-Marine football grounds in Taguig City while the Iloilo leg will be conducted in Sta. Barbara, about 16 kilometers from the city proper.

“The festivals will serve as a platform where in kids, regardless of their socio-economic background can enjoy the sport of football. At the same time, these events can serve as an inclusive platform for socially advantaged and less advantaged teams to interact and work together. We also want to capitalize on the sport to achieve our desired impact:  for children to stay in school, aspire for higher marks, and be in a position to vie for scholarships both athletic and academic,” said Fernando Esguerra, Globe OIC for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Globe's Football Para sa Bayan 2014 will bring together 35 community football teams composed of underprivileged youth not only to compete but to interact, and share best football practices with 35 other teams from varsities of private schools and private football clubs.

The Manila leg will be participated by about 900 kids and young adults under the  7-17 age bracket.

All 35 community football teams will be supported by Globe via free inclusion into the tournament.

Globe and Caligdong are hoping that through this tournament, underprivileged players are given access to high-level competition and opportunities to network and to get scouted by private schools and teams for possible scholarships.

Over at Iloilo, about 1000 kids from football communities are expected to join the 2nd Football Para Sa Bayan festival in Caligdong's home province, which will also include a football clinic.

Globe Football Para Sa Bayan is a year-round football campaign of the giant telecommunications company to bring the program around the country to impact nation-building in a big way.

Football is just the first step in Globe sports advocacy as the company continues to develop various sports programs for its CSR communities.