James Younghusband dreams of a US road trip

He is one of two of the Filipino-British brothers who have helped popularize football in the Philippines. James Younghusband, born to British father Philip Sr. and Filipina mother Susan, first kicked that black-and-white soccer ball in a park near his home in Ashford at Surrey, England. Together with his younger brother Phil, the kiddie footballer developed his skill at a local football club every weekend. Then, at 10, under a scholarship, he signed up with the Chelsea Football Club for their youth and reserve division. He continued to live a blissful life under the watchful eye of his parents and the company of his younger brother and later their baby sister, Keri.

The footballer and his brother eventually moved to the Philippines, beginning a journey that would change not only his personal life but also the face of local sports. James became part of the Philippine National Football Team –– fondly known as the Azkals –– as their midfielder. There, he and his teammates sparked a renewed interest for football in our otherwise basketball-crazy country.

He had always wanted to become a professional football player, and James is certainly living that dream today. The athlete has participated in international tilts, including the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, and the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup. Aside from being part of the Azkals, the football pro plays for the Loyola Meralco Sparks Futbol Club, which he helped propel to several victories.

For James, the most important thing about football is the team. With that in mind, he and his brother set up the Younghusband Football Academy, the sports clinic that introduces football to more Filipino kids, all future team members in their much-beloved sport. It is their personal advocacy “to promote football and develop football in the Philippines.” James really believes that Pinoys can truly excel in the sport. After all, football is more attuned to the light, agile, and quick physical makeup of Filipinos.

Today, the academy operates the Chelsea Football Club Soccer School Philippines, where the duo, both certified coaches, share their know-how and pass on their passion to junior players as young as three years old. As a testament to his commitment to the Filipino and the sport, the school has plans to offer free training workshops to children, as well. 

For now, James is enjoying the game, giving it his all, heart and body, mind and soul.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What do you remember most of your first trip abroad?

JAMES YOUNGHUSBAND: We were then living in England, and when I was a year old, my family and I came to the Philippines. Obviously, I don’t remember anything at all, but I’ve seen some photos of us visiting my mom’s relatives. My next recollection was of a day trip we took on a ferry from Dover, England to Calais, France. By then, I was five years old. We took our car onboard the ship, and throughout all this, I was sitting at the back with my brother Phil. I remember the lunch we had on the deck, too. Upon arrival, my dad shopped for cheeses, ham and baguettes. We also loaded up the car with cigarettes, liquor and other drinks.

What won’t you leave home without?

My favorite navy blue hoodie that I got in a shop in England. It’s almost 10 years old! I also bring along the book Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski. The complete title is a mouthful: Soccernomics: Why England Loses, Why Germany and Brazil Win, and Why the US, Japan, Australia, Turkey—and Even Iraq—Are Destined to Become the Kings of the World’s Most Popular Sport. It’s conveniently divided into chapters that combine insights from economics, statistics, psychology, and business on how the sport works. I’ve read it over and over again to assist me understand the game even more.

How do you pass time at airports?

I have this all-time favorite game that I search for at the different time zones in every airport. I also check out what the shops have to offer. At times, I simply watch TV and listen to music. I’ve noticed that somehow I always end up eating at the departure area.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

My 11-year-old sister Keri. She loves to explore and I enjoy exploring with her. We are both forever curious.

What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel or at a resort?

I immediately unpack everything, and I mean everything! I hate digging through my luggage, so I put things in order: Pants on one side of the closet, T-shirts, shorts, and socks in shelves and drawers, and shoes arranged in a row. Small items end up on my night table where I think they belong. I’m a neat freak sort of a guy. I really like that settled-in feeling. Also, I check what the TV channels have to offer. I love my movies, so I look for channels such as HBO, Star Movies, Fox Movie Channel and Cinemax. If they’re not available, we have a problem (laughs).

What would you consider a must-do activity in every foreign city that you visit?

I love sightseeing, noticing most especially the architecture of the place. If there’s a river that traverses the city like, say, the River Thames in London and the Seine River in Paris, I’m on that boat. I also make it a point to try the local food and cuisine.

Describe your most memorable trip.

It happened so long ago, but it has remained a memorable one. When I was a young boy, I flew to America together with my dad, mom, and Phil. On the West Coast, we visited Universal Studios, Disneyland and other amusement parks. I remember we moved around in a van –– or was it just a huge American car? Then, we continued to New York and did the sights, as well, such as the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building. I was very impressed with the magnitude of everything. Things were so much bigger in America. Central Park in New York –– massive! The roller coasters –– huge! Even the food portions –– extra big. In terms of size, everything in England paled in comparison. I was totally over the moon just gasping over the brand new experience!

Here’s an incident I haven’t forgotten even through the years: My brother Phil was in a playful mood, so he got my favorite watch without my knowing it and hid it in the corridor outside of our hotel room. I was frantic looking for it. In the end, he opened the door to surprise me. But he was the one who was shocked. It was gone!

What do you miss most when you’re away from home?

In addition to my family, I miss home, most especially my bed. I love the routine, the familiar, and the sense of being home. When traveling, you’re limited to what you bring along, so there’s a feeling of being constricted. I miss the accessibility to everything.

What is the best travel advice you were given?

Always bring something to entertain you on long flights. Carry a book or a sketch pad. I love to doodle. Jogging pants are best to travel in. Shorts are a no-no because it gets really cold on board the plane. Jeans are a no-no, too, because they’re just too stiff. They’re far from being comfortable, which is the most essential priority when flying.

What is the strangest thing you have done on a trip?

On one of my trips from London to Manila, I ended up bringing so much stuff. However, I still took the Tube from Leicester Square to Heathrow Airport, and was lugging around three really huge and bulky pieces of luggage. I was sweating buckets all the way. I still don’t know why I did it.

Let’s talk favorites now. Name your favorite city abroad.

London, without a doubt. Football is my life and football is big over there. It’s home to 14 professional teams as well as England’s national arena, the Wembley Stadium. Football players are even treated like celebrities. People breathe football. They live football. It’s really part of the national fiber.

All my friends from my childhood are also in London. And there’s the great food, as well. I’m talking about genuine and greasy, deep-fried fish and chips. It’s very English and very delicious. It’s also hard to beat the wonder of being accessible within the city proper. Name it, they have it: the underground system, popularly known as the Tube, buses, cabs, ferries. It really has an efficient transportation network. You can reside in London even without a car –– a must in most cities

Name your favorite spot in the Philippines.

I truly love the country. I’m a beach person, and I have several favorites: Palawan, with its clear waters, pristine nature and quiet atmosphere, is where I go to relax. Boracay, my party island, is a beach beyond compare. I also enjoy the shores of Batangas. I like the weather of Tagaytay, and I never get tired of the view of Taal Volcano and its lake. I’ll continue to discover more areas that will soon be a part of my ever-growing list of favorites.

Favorite airline?

All the Filipino airlines, from Philippine Airlines to Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific to Zest Air and Seair, mostly because of the very friendly crew. They treat their work as more than just a job. Did I mention to you that I also love the onboard games of Cebu Pacific?

Favorite airport?

Changi Airport in Singapore. It’s a dream airport. They have everything going for them: spacious and spotless, passenger friendly, endless entertainment, shops of all kinds, food galore, and even blooming flowers. The carpets are great. They’re so thick and yet soft that you can lie down on them. Try it sometimes (laughs).

Favorite museum?

The National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square in London. I like its human interest angle and how it looks into the life of a person through its portraits.

If you could take home a piece of art, which one would it be?

I would take home a slice of art by Banksy, the England-based graffiti artist who does clever political and social commentary on walls and streets all over the world. What’s even more cool is that no one knows his true identity. I understand Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are fans.

Favorite hotel?

The former Westin Philippine Plaza. It’s the Sofitel Philippine Plaza today. As residents of England, our family often stayed there whenever we came to the Philippines to visit our relatives. It’s hard to beat their resort-in-a-city setting. There’s a pool like no other, a relaxing outdoor restaurant, and even a mini-golf facility.

Favorite landmark?

The London Waterloo –– the central terminal of the London railway system and the busiest station in the country. Found near the south bank of the River Thames, it’s a great place to people-watch. There’s a shopping balcony and many places to hang out in –– coffee shops, buffets, bars, and other food outlets. The glazed roofs offer fantastic natural lighting. The triumphal arch is also a marvel. The London Waterloo has been featured in several films like Miss London Ltd., Waterloo Road, and The Bourne Ultimatum including TV shows such as Walking Dead, The Apprentice, and Top Gear.

Favorite park?

There’s a commercial park in Staines that was just around the corner from our family home in England. I remember this was the very place where I first kicked a football under the watchful eye of my dad. He

Wicked. It has a great story and fantastic music. It really reminds me of Wizard of Oz, the book that the musical is based on.

Favorite mall or store?

Alabang Town Center. It’s ideal for family bonding and, at the same time, a great place to hang around in with friends. 


Favorite restaurant or bar?

Kenny Rogers. They have healthy meal options that are great for athletes like me. There’s a High Protein meal of, of course, their roast chicken with a tuna vegetable salad and steamed rice. That’s packed with more than the recommended daily allowance of protein. There’s also a Low Calorie plate of grilled fish, steamed vegetables, and garlic rice if you need to watch your weight.

Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in?

The Oscars in Los Angeles with all the big stars, the big directors, and the big producers. These are people bursting with talent and shapers of the mind. Wouldn’t it be great to find yourself beside Angelina Jolie?

What are your favorite pasalubongs –– inbound and outbound?

Inbound –– unique football jerseys that are not available here. I also bring home Ribena, the British drink brand that you mix with water. It’s usually in black currant flavor.

Outbound –– nothing! Relatives and friends are just happy to see me again.

What is the worst souvenir you have ever bought back from a trip?

While on holiday on the Isle of Wight, the largest island of the United Kingdom off the English Channel, I bought and proudly brought back a portrait of what seemed to look like my brother. However, the more I looked at it, I discovered that there was no resemblance at all. Not even a faint one. (Laughs)

Aside from unpacking your suitcase, what is the first thing you would do upon returning home?

After family hellos, I shower and sleep. I just love to sleep. Travel takes a lot out of me because I don’t get my dosage of sleep. I get cranky when I lack rest.

Name a city you have never visited but would like to someday.

Sydney in Australia. I’m a beach person, and you’re never far from a beach over there. I also want to visit Rome in Italy for its history, arts, culture, and sights. Plus, I love Italian food, so I’d get my feast of pasta every day.

Name country you wish to explore.

Without a doubt, the United States of America. I want to take a leisurely road trip, from the West Coast to the East, and every state in between. Their history is so close to the UK’s and the Philippines.’ I would like to experience the massiveness of the place and try to find out the reasons why it’s a nation to reckon with. What makes it great? What makes it tick? I’m so curious about the great melting pot. I can’t seem to get enough of it.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Finding the answers to the many questions in my mind. Why do people behave in such a manner? Why do people do things this way and not the opposite? I appreciate our differences in all aspects, from history and traditions of the past to the achievements and accomplishments of today. We’re all one world and yet we are so different.

What would you say then is the worst part of travel?

Long flights. Just sitting there and really doing nothing, yet there are so many things you wish to do. I find the actual length of flying a complete waste of precious time.

If you could reside anywhere in the world aside from the Philippines where would it be?

London. You should know and understand why because you’ve lived there. Do you know anyone who doesn’t like London whether as a tourist or resident, student or company man?