GK launches grassroots football program for underprivileged youth

No money but still wanted to play football? Gawad Kalinga's SipaG program got you covered. Gawad Kalinga, supported by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), launched a grassroots football program for underprivileged Filipino youth. Gawad Kalinga, a non-profit organization that has built over 2,000 communities nationwide, was chosen by AFC's Dream Asia Movement to receive a US$25,000 funding. The PFF, on the other hand, will provide technical assistance and logistical support. Philippine Azkals team members Aly Borromeo, Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta will be the program's ambassadors. They will be visiting the villages, promoting football to underprivileged kids.   "GK has been using football as a tool for child and youth development program since 2005. This eventually grew into a program where kids outside of GK villages wanted to join GK because of football," said GK SipaG volunteer head Kevin Goco. The SipaG program will initially be held in 10 GK sites in Metro Manila namely Baseco and Smokey Mountain in Manila, Sitio Ruby in Quezon City, and the cities of Taguig, Pasig and Mandaluyong. The Henry V. Moran Foundation (THVMF)—which also supports special charity projects like the Pinoy Futbol Scholars, the Special League for mentally challenged persons and the Futbol Angels—is also GK's partner in the program. Some of THVMF's projects are focused on helping victims of natural and man-made disasters. "GK is the perfect partner for promoting development through sports. They have the infrastructure and villages in place, complemented by holistic programs in community development," said Danny Moran of THVMF. The GK team currently uses the Ateneo, La Salle and San Beda football fields while their own pitch is being developed. Future football stars   GK SipaG isn't just a regular football program. Gawad Kalinga is trying to get the whole community involve in forming future football stars. About 500 participants aged six to 16 will be required to enroll in school and to attend weekly values formation sessions. Their health and school performance would also be monitored during the program. Alex Tayamora, one of GK football program's participants, came from Sitio Ruby. He started playing football when he was 12 under SipaG technical director Marlon Maro. "Nabago po talaga ang takbo ng buhay ko. Nung high school, di ko inakalang makakapag-college ako. Dahil sa GK, napatunayan kong kaya ko palang abutin ang mga pangarap ko,” said Tayamora. Tayamora is on his second year taking up BS Computer Application on a football scholarship at the College of Saint Benilde. He also gets a stipend which he uses to help support his family. "Imagine this one kid help alleviate his family from poverty and then end up playing in the UFL or the national team. That would make a good story for the millions of Filipinos who aren't as privileged as the rest," said Goco. — JVP, GMA News