MIRIAM College Football Club and LBC Kaya won the girls’ 14-and-under as well as the children’s 6-and-under categories. But more than just competition in football the 21st Alaska Football Cup is all about grassroots sports development and countrywide participation.
With over 300 teams and almost 5,000 players from all over the Philippines participating, the football cup held last weekend at the Ayala Alabang Country Club fields has exceeded all expectations.
A typical delegation is the group of 38 players and 20 plus parents from Compostela Valley, Davao. Coach Jesmer Tampog said their trip was made possible by the parents themselves who helped raise the money to cover part of their airfare and expenses as well as the invaluable support of Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy who took care of everything else.
“We just want the children to experience an event like the 21st Alaska Football Cup easily one of the biggest and best football tournaments in the country. We want the children to experience the travel. We want them to experience playing against different teams and players. We want them to experience being part of such a high level tournament and competition,” said Tampog.
The 38 boys and girls were formed into three teams playing in the different age categories.
“The facilities here are great. The football field is great. We don’t have anything like this at home. It’s educational and enjoyable as well that the children get to play in a field like this and under the supervision of some of the best football officials in the country,” said Tampog.
Not even the night-long rains before the event could dampen the enthusiasm of the participants.
Alaska Aces General Manager Richard Bachmann, who led the launch of the football cup, said the event is first and foremost for the children who will benefit most from the sports activity.
“Someone told me before that children enjoyed playing in the rain. So I wasn’t actually bothered that it rained last night and this morning. It’s true, kids do like playing in the rain. I’m just worried if the field can take the kids playing and all this rain going on. Hopefully, it should be okay. I’m satisfied with the turnout. There are almost five thousand children, from all over the Philippines, today and tomorrow. And that’s perfect for us,” said Bachmann.
Miriam College coach Bob Manlulo said all the hard work and sacrifice paid off for his team. On week days the team practiced regularly after their school hours. On weekends, the team participated in tournaments which honed the skills of team members.
He said his players learned positive values during their preparation and participation in the competition.
Alaska Milk continues its advocacy to help children learn positive values through participation in sports with the holding of the 21st Alaska Football Cup.
Instead of engaging in passive activities such as watching television, surfing the Internet, or spending too much time on social media, children are encouraged to engage in football as an active alternative.
Social skills as well as attitude of children are developed through participation in sports tournaments. Children experience healthy competition among members of the same age group which boosts physical and mental development.
For general information about Alaska Milk visit www.alaskamilk.com. For general information about the 21st Alaska Football Cup visit www.alaskapowercamp.com/football; and for live updates follow PlayPH on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
