Last July 18, Football Manila went to Clark, Pampanga with Lewis Glanz Consulting for a business trip but took the opportunity to see how the football is currently in the area. Given that the SEA games will be held in Clark.
We got in touch with CIFA, with Coach Ken, to see if we, Football Manila can have the afternoon before sundown with their kids. The venue was in CDC parade ground, a 6 to 8 hectare space known for hosting the Pinas Cup (a football festival that bring over a 100 academies and schools of all ages once a year) and soon the SEA games for Rugby, Cricket, Archery and other sports.
CIFA was able to bring together, roughly about 25 kids ages 6 to 16 years of age. It was a good mix of boys and girls. The club trains roughly four days a week with structured age groups.
We split up the group into two groups with Coach Vic handling the bambinos (u7s) and the older kids with Coach Lee.
The session went great beyond our expectations but it was the conversation with the coaches that was most intriguing.
Not only on how consistent they are with their training but we found out how big the football community is, with weekly open play at night in CDC, how the kids are scouted by clubs in the YFL, NCAA and even UAAP from Manila for both male and female players.
There are plans already for an alliance and collaboration with the different associations and the local businesses to put up a club to represent the region in the national league, ultimately internationally. This is not far fetched, especially with the Clark Stadium being built.
“Just as the economy is booming in Clark, so will grass root football grow especially with the passion and vision of coaches such as Coach Ken and Mark.” – Mari Tirazona, Head of Ops, Football Manila 🙂
If you are moving or already in the Pampanga area, be sure to reach out to CIFA for weekly football coaching with them. You may reach them via 0917 650 1138 or via their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/cifaph/
#OneLanguage #CIFA #FootballManila #LewisGlanzConsulting
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