Community aims to nurture future soccer champs

MANILA, Philippines -  DMCI Homes helps Filipino kids develop their soccer skills and aspire to become national players as it hosts the training program of Futbol Filipinas Azkals Foundation (FFAF) at the Acacia Estates Football Field in Taguig City.

Officials of DMCI Homes and FFAF signed an agreement for the training of so-called Little Azkals at the football field of the former’s condominium township.

“We’re glad to welcome the Little Azkals to Acacia Estates. We want it to be their second home as they train and prepare for future games,” said DMCI Homes SVP for finance and operations Ramil Lombos  after the signing.

“DMCI Homes’ contribution in this initiative is 50 per cent of the achievement of our goal of sending an elite team to the 2019 U-17 World Cup because the field is critical. This is where we are going to make the dreams of the children come true,” FFAF marketing manager Josephine Concio said.

“In our own way, we hope to not only promote Philippine football, but also help it gain more ground in the local sports landscape. We believe it’s a sport that we can be really good at,” Jan O. Venturanza, DMCI Homes senior marketing manager, said.

“The Little Azkals will be a good example to our own residents. Sports builds character and promotes a healthy lifestyle,” she added.

The football field is a venue for soccer practices. In May, a soccer clinic for some 50 children of Acacia Estates homeowners was held as DMCI Homes formally launched the field with Azkals player Aly Borromeo as guest. Acacia Estates also played host to a tournament on flag football, another sport fast gaining followers, in July.

FFAF brings children from Metro Manila and the provinces to the capital every summer to train together. The group wants the training to be continuous at least for children based in Metro Manila and nearby provinces like Laguna.

Through DMCI Homes and the Acacia Estates Football Field, the FFAF will have a sustainable training program. Concio also said the training program aims to build a pool of soccer talents who will be eligible to become players for the national soccer team.