British Embassy, Younghusbands score goal for child protection

MANILA, Philippines - Two of the most famous Filipino-British faces in the country led the celebration of the longstanding friendship between the UK and the Philippines in an event that puts the spotlight on safeguarding children.

Azkals standouts Phil and James Younghusband joined the British Embassy in “Score a Goal for Child Protection”, an event in celebration of Philippine-British Friendship Day held last Oct. 20 at the British School Manila.

“There may be no better example of UK-Philippine friendship than working together to protect our children and young people,” said British Ambassador Stephen Lillie. “Hopefully this event will have given new publicity to this important work.”

“Every child matters, and has a right to be protected from all forms of abuse and exploitation. Protecting children is a global challenge that will entail a concerted effort and we are committed to play our part,” he added.

 The Younghusband brothers, who trace their roots to both the UK and the Philippines, passed on their football skills to underprivileged children from the Payatas and Mango football clubs at the British School Manila football field.

Donning their new football kits provided by British firm Mitre, the children couldn’t hide their excitement as they participated in the football clinic conducted by The Younghusband Football Academy.

This was followed by a friendly match between the Younghusbands, the children and some British Embassy staff headed by Deputy Ambassador Trevor Lewis.

The evening was capped by a reception where guests signed the “Child Protection in Sport for Development,” a pledge for adults and coaches which sets out basic standards of behavior that adults should follow when involved in sporting activity with children.

Mr. Lillie thanked the Younghusbands for giving their time and resources to promote a good cause.

“This event rounded off a separate project sponsored by the British Embassy which had also been taking place at the British School this week. Experts from the UK’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Unit (CEOP) had spent three days training local Philippine teachers and NGO workers in essential skills to identify evidence of child abuse, and to respond appropriately,” he said.

The football clubs in Payatas and Mango Tree House are run by Britons Roy Moore and Naomi Tomlinson, founders of the Fairplay For All Foundation (FFA) that works to empower the street children of the Philippines. Part of its program is running football teams as a way to develop the community and raise awareness through football.

“Together we can create a better world... Together we can become part of something good,” Moore said.