About 300 children from Iloilo will vie for a chance to join world-class football camps in Malaysia and possibly, Europe for free as TM Football Para sa Bayan clinic led by Chieffy Caligdong kicked off in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo on July 23. This is part of the partnership between Astro Malaysia and Globe Telecom.
Aside from Iloilo, TM Football Para sa Bayan clinics are also scheduled in Talisay (Negros Occidental), Davao and Manila where 12 players from all walks of life, aged 10-12, will be chosen to attend the Astro Kem Bola Advanced Training Programme in Kuala Lumpur in September together with their counterparts from Singapore and Malaysia. Selected top players from the advanced camp will then fly to Europe for two weeks of professional football training in December 2016.
"The Astro Kem Bola programme aims to provide a comprehensive learning and football development experience. Through it, we have seen talented kids grow into well-rounded ahtletes playing in the Malaysian national youth team on an international platform. We are privileged to be able to play a role in their development and look forward to do the same for the youth of Philippines and other Asean countries," said Datuk David Michael yap, Vice President of Community Affairs, Astro. The Malaysian media and entertainment powerhouse network, likewise, introduced recently to Globe customers the latest in live sports such as e-games and the newest Asian shows via over-the-top (OTT) provider Tribe.
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"We are proud that Astro has chosen TM Football Para sa Bayan as a venue to discover talented kids who would be given an opportunity to further harness their craft and bring them closer to their dreams. Through our sports advocacy, we hope to forge similar partnerships with other like-minded organizations to help uplift the lives of the youth especially those from the marginalized sector and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents," said Fernando Esguerra, Globe Director for Citizenship.
Ray Guinoo, TM Portfolio and Brand Head added: "TM, being a brand for the youth, is always after the development of our young people. One of the ways to do this is through TM Football Para sa Bayan. We are using the power of sports to instill in the youth the importance of possessing the right attitude, good values, and a good education. Hopefully, through the sports communities and the tie up with Astro, we can create more opportunities for the kids across the country."
The TM Football Para sa Bayan clinics will be handled by Green Archers United (GAU), a professional football league which has been Globe Telecom's implementing partner in developing the football grassroots program in the last three years.
Twelve players will be shortlisted from Iloilo and Talisay, Negros Occidental selection camps while eight from Davao, and another eight will come from Manila. The list will be further trimmed down to the final 12 representatives, coming from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with an equal number of boys and girls based on their overall ranking.
To show that Astro and Globe/TM are lookng for more than just exceptional football skills, the kids will also be selected based on teamwork; discipline, behaviour and sportsmanship; communication on and off the pitch; positive attitude towards teammates, volunteers and coaches; ability to listen to instructions; and good personality.
The football clinics are open to all street football communities, underprivileged kids, varsity players from public and private schools, and private football clubs. Schedule are as follows: PFF National Training Center, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo (July 23), Sta. Maria Football Field, Talisay, Negros Occidental (July 24); Tionko Football Field, Bolton Riverside, Quimpo Blvd Agro Davao City (August 13); and De La Salle Santiago Zobel football field, University ave, Ayala Alabang, Metro Manila (August 20).
Interested participants may register by sending their complete name, birth date, contact number to footballparasabayan@gmail.com or call Deeg Rodriguez at +639178843334.
