Cebuano booters brace for 'real FC Barcelona experience'

CEBU, Philippines - After two successful training camps in Manila, the FC Barcelona Escola brings its camp to the Queen City of the South with participants not only coming from Cebu and other parts of the country, but even abroad on October 26-30 at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

“We're increasing our activities in Asia so we can give the kids the opportunity to have the real FC Barcelona experience,” said FCB Asia-Pacific coordinator and coach Charles Martin.

FC Barcelona Escola is the official football school of the world-class football club, FC Barcelona, which includes Lionel Messi, Neymar, JR and Andres Iniesta.

The organizers have chosen Cebu as one of the venues for their training camp this year after seeing some Cebuanos joining their 2013 event in Manila.

“In last year’s camp, a number of kids from Cebu came to Manila for the training. It is a good indicator that Cebu is a good opportunity for FCB, “ said Michael Reyes in a press conference at Parklane Cebu International Hotel.

The camp will be handled by two FC Barcelona coaches to be assisted by six local coaches, who are also set to undergo a coaches' training from Martin himself.

Out of the 80 kids from all over Cebu who took part in the open try-outs held yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center, only eight underprivileged kids will get a scholarship to the five-day camp that will cost at least P19,000 for those who are interested to join.

As of the moment, about a hundred young players, including a group from Australia, have already sent feelers to join in the training camp.

The participants of the camp will be divided into different age-groups. They will learn the philosophy, methodology and values of FC Barcelona and its world-class quality training designed and patterned from the first team of FC Barcelona.

“When there is so much talent and potential for Filipino children in this sport, it's more exciting to build football dreams on solid foundation by learning with the very best,” said Nicholas Reyes, one of the organizers from Team Socceroo.

For his part, CFA president Ricky Dakay looks forward to this camp with hopes of scouting more talents up to the grassroots level and eventually mold them to be part of the Philippine team in the future.

For those interested to sign up for the camp, one may visit and register at the website:http://www.fcbescolaphilippines.com. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)