Chelsea Soccer School, TRIbeca team up for football facilities

MANILA, Philippines - The Chelsea FC Soccer School Philippines has found a new home at the TRIbeca Private Residences in Muntinlupa City, taking advantage of its well-lit seven-a-side field and various amenities to hone the skills of students in a safe environment.

“In the Philippines, it’s not a secret that there’s a lack of facilities in football. Fortunately for us in the Chelsea Soccer School, our partnership with TRIbeca has given us the opportunity for a fantastic facility and to be able to perform what we love doing – coaching and playing,” said Phil Younghusband, director of The Younghusband Football Academy, which operates the Chelsea school in Phl.

“The great thing about TRIbeca is we have lights here, which allows for night sessions, and we’re already talking about installing more lights,” he said.

James can’t stress the importance of football facilities enough in developing the youngsters. “To make them the best, you have to give them the best. And the facility here are great.”

The partnership between Chelsea FC Soccer School Philippines and TRIbeca Private Residences was formally launched yesterday through the Younghusbands, Randy Roxas, chairman/president of TRIbeca owner Maybank ATR Kim Eng, and Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, president/CEO of TRIbeca developer LANDCO Pacific Corp.

Phil and James, along with instructors from the Chelsea FC Soccer School Phl, conducted a clinic for some 50 kids who braved the rains to attend the event. They also played ball with LANDCO’s team.

“I’m very happy we’re able to provide a venue like this,” said Burgos, taking pride in TRIbeca’s unique feature as a condo with its own football field.

“Thirty years ago, I also took up soccer and we had an open field in San Juan. But because of all the developments happening all around us, it disappeared. Now we’re able to provide something a bit more permanent, something dedicated to the development of football in Phl,” he added.

Roxas, who is also the UFL president, said this partnership will be a boost to grassroots development in the country.

The Chelsea FC Soccer School Phl conducts training for aspirants from the Under-10 and Under-16 age groups at TRibeca field every Monday and Wednesday , 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8-10 a.m.

Aside from TRIbeca, Chelsea is also holding sessions for U-4 to U-8 at King’s School Manila Tuesdays and Saturdays and for all age groups at Alabang Country Club every Monday and Wednesday starting October.