THE Philippines' bid to promote football among the youth received a big shot in the arm from FIFA through the recently launched Football for Schools (F4S) Program at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Initiated by the Philippine Football Federation, in collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, the program focuses on training educators and community coaches that can impart the knowledge within their communities, fostering the growth of football at the grassroots level.
Before the official launch, FIFA held a two-day capacity-building workshop, involving 33 grassroots development officers (GDOs) and seven government development offices. The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with the F4S philosophy, which integrates life skills through football.
During the program's inauguration, coaches showcased their training as 250 children participated at the PFF National Training Center. The Philippines becomes the seventh beneficiary of the F4S initiative in the Southeast Asian region.
"We welcome the FIFA Football for Schools in the Philippines as it presents the need to nurture football players at the grassroots level," said FIFA Council member Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.
“We also express our sincerest gratitude to FIFA, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Department of Education in ensuring that our children will not only be able to learn the beautiful game but also promote life skills and competencies through the sport.”
To demonstrate their commitment to the cause, FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura personally attended the launch.
Other key officials present at the launch included FIFA Football for Schools Director Fatimata Sidibe, FIFA Regional Director for Asia and Oceania Sanjeevan Balasingam, FIFA Regional Lead Office Lavin Vignesh, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann, and Department of Education Project Development Officer James Liquigan.
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