MANILA, Philippines - Football is called the game of life for a reason. In struggling countries in Africa, football is what provides children with a glimmer of hope. It is perhaps similar to how excelling in basketball in the Philippines is a ticket out of poverty.
With football slowly growing throughout the nation, the sport has already enabled a group of children from the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation to realize their dreams when four boys from the foundation were chosen to represent the Philippines in the Homeless World Cup – a social organization with the goal of ending homelessness through the sport of football.
Every year the organization puts together a football tournament where teams of homeless people from each country compete. It was not long ago that a team of Filipino boys – with several from the Tuloy Sa Don Bosco foundation – battled against teams from around the world to emerge as victors of the international competition.
It is only apt then, that the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation is the chosen beneficiary of the much-awaited Clear Dream Match which will take place on Aug. 25 at the University of Makati.
From the streets to a home, Tuloy Foundation accepts poor, orphaned and abandoned youth, homeless children, and children at risk in their living environment. The Foundation located in Alabang, Muntilupa City becomes a second home to these children, where their basic needs are taken care of and, most importantly, the foundation becomes a safe haven where children are taught the values and attitudes they will need to cope with the outside world. Currently the foundation, houses more than 500 children aged 9 to18 years.
Last month, local football idols James and Phil Younghusband visited the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation and were greeted with a standing ovation by hundreds of applauding children.
An avid footballer, Fr. Rocky Evangelista, president and founder of Tuloy Foundation, expounded on how a sport like football can make a difference in a child’s life. “Football is the game of life, and the Clear Dream Match is one example of how a sport can achieve so much,” he said. “On behalf of all the children and staff in the organization, we would like to thank Unilever for the 6-month supply of products that Unilever has donated to support the children in their day-to-day lives.”
James and Phil, along with other guests, were serenaded by more than 500 children of the Tuloy Foundation with a touching rendition of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.” With their smiles brightening up the fully packed gym, guests sat humbled by the performance, some even shedding a tear or two.
Clear brand manager John Imperial thanked all the children and the dedicated people at the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation, expressing his excitement not only for the upcoming match, but also for the long-term partnership.
“We are happy that we have partnered up with all of you, and hope that everyone comes and supports the Clear Dream Match on Aug. 25 – after all this was done for you guys, ” he said.
The brothers briefly shared their passion for football and what it has meant to their lives. “Football has enabled Phil and I to do so much,” James said.
“When Phil and I moved to the Philippines two years ago, promoting football in the Philippines was our long-term goal, but with the success of the Azkals and the subsequent popularity of the sport that resulted from it, it has become more than just promoting the sport, ” he added.
“Everything we do – The Younghusband Football Academy and the Clear Dream Match – is to help other Filipino children realize that they too can have a future through football, ” Phil said.
The Younghusbands’ visit was capped off with a short preview of the Clear Dream Match with James and Phil going head-to-head with their respective teams composed of Tuloy’s own boys’ football team.
After an exciting 30 minutes of 7-aside football, James’ team won 4-1. Now whether or not that is an indication of the eventual outcome of the Aug. 25 match, you’ll just have to be there at the University of Makati.
Interested parties can start saving their seats for the match via the Clear Facebook site.