RP booters wind up 29th in Homeless

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines ended its campaign in the seventh Homeless World Cup in Milan, Italy in remarkable fashion, beating some of the top teams in East Asian and Europe’s favorite Luxembourg recently.

The Filipino booters pulled off stunning wins over East Asia teams Hong Kong, India, Japan, Cambodia and Australia and also fashioned out a 6-1 romp over Luxembourg in the opener of the tournament held to promote awareness of homelessness and poverty around the world through football (street soccer).

Team Philippines, organized by Urban Opportunities for Change Foundation, Inc. and the Henry V. Moran Foundation, wound up 29th in a field of 48.

The members of the team were Ronaldo Yurag, Mark Anthony Rosales, Robin Porcioncula, Larry Dela Cruz, Ricky Ortiz, Robert Francisco, Joemer Gelena, Marlon Lagundino and reserve Rachy Gunda, who hail from Masbate, Cebu City, Quatro, Pangsanjan, Basugbu, Calapan, Guiguinto, Surigao and Floodway.

Most of the participants from America and Europe are under rehabilitation for drug and alcohol while Team RP is composed of abandoned children.

“Our achievement here is that we have generated awareness on the problem of the homeless kids and youths all over the world,” said Team RP coach Marlon Maro, who formed the team last May after a series of elims featuring teams from eight homeless shelters around the country.

“At least 77 percent of players involved in that Homeless World Cup experienced a significant life change. They have shied away from drugs and alcohol and gained jobs, education, training and even becoming coaches or players with semi-pro teams,” said Team RP supporter and artist Paul Zialcita.