Azkals’ Rota boosts Pru Life program

MANILA, Philippines - Simone Rota, a member of the Philippine Azkals and Stallions FC, joins Pru Life UK Football for a Better Life when the grassroots program unfolds in Laguna this weekend.

Rota, 30, teams up with former Azkals skipper and current Azkals U-16 coach Chieffy Caligdong and Football for a Better Life Grassroots Development director Chris Thomas in conducting clinics and tournaments for the youth in Laguna.

Calauan, Laguna is the current site of Buklod Kalinga, an orphanage run by Franciscan sisters.

When Rota was a baby, he was left in the care of Buklod Kalinga’s sisters until he was adopted by an Italian couple.

“I know how it feels to have struggles all day and everyday. I want to give the children an opportunity to be happy, to not focus on the hardships but to have fun and laugh and have fellowship with other children,” said Rota in linking up with Pru Life UK, Caligdong and Thomas.

Thomas, a British football development consultant, and Rota went to Laguna in late July to inspect the site and make a side visit to Buklod Kalinga where they played football with some of the kids from the home and students from nearby Don Bosco Canlubang.

Spending a day with Rota, Thomas was inspired by the latter’s journey from orphan to athlete.