Globe, Chieffy to stage youth football fest

MANILA, Philippines - The Football Para Sa Bayan 2014, a grassroots program for youth from underprivileged communities, kicks off tomorrow with some 900 kids set to see action at the Fleet-Marine football grounds of the Philippine Navy in Taguig City.

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom together with its sports ambassador Azkals Team Captain Chieffy Caligdong are spearheading the football festival not only in the Big City but also in the provinces as part of their effort to promote the sport and as a tool to interact with the youth.

For the Metro Manila festival, Globe will bring together 35 community football teams composed of underprivileged youth to compete, interact and play with other teams from varsities of private schools and private football clubs. The one-day football tournament will feature kids and young adults aged 7-17.

The Iloilo tournament, meanwhile, will be held on March 8-9 in Sta. Barbara with over a thousand kids from various football communities expected to participate.

“The festivals will serve as a platform wherein 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,” said Fernando Esguerra, Globe OIC for Corporate Social Responsibility.

He added: “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.”

Compared to other football tournaments where organizers charge anywhere from P3,000-P5,000 per team, all 35 community football teams will be supported by Globe via free inclusion into the tournament. Through this, “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.

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