HWC: From Sleeping on the Streets to the Beautiful Game on the Streets of Paris

By ROY MOORE (PINOYFOOTBALL)
Photo courtesy of Ryan Fenix

Football fans across the world know of the power football has to change communities, lives, and even countries. On Christmas Day, 1914, during the First World War, for example, both the German and British Forces famously declared a truce: they started football games in No Man’s Land, realising how their enemies in war were still their fellow humans.

New Training for Young Players

For myself, as coach of Payatas FC & Kasiglahan FC, I see how passionate the kids here get about playing football. They ask for more and more training; they enjoy and laugh through the practices each Saturday.

This Saturday, April 30, was no different as we joined the Payatas and Kasiglahan kids together for a joint session, and with a couple of new coaches wanting to help out. Ria De Leon, Mary Anne Ingua, and Mikhael De Guzman, from soccercentral.ph, came down to help the kids learn. They showed that what matters most is the game of football, and not rivalries among websites, journalists, or anyone else.

The Homeless World Cup

After training, we headed to the final trials of the Homeless World Cup Philippine team, which is managed by Rudy del Rosario. Earlier in the week, I had a phone call from Rudy asking if I could join the event to help select the team to go to the finals in Paris. This was a little surprising, but from our previous meetings, Rudy seemed really kind and was doing incredible work with the Homeless World Cup.

I quickly confirmed my dates and accepted the invitation. I also found an article which listed the other panellists: former Women’s captain and current FIFA Women’s Committee member Cristy Ramos, Azkals captain Aly Borromeo, Kaya FC Coach Mikee Carrion, Mexican Ambassador Tomas Unna, and HWC supporter Rene Comprendio. I was surprised to be included in that line-up.

We got to the venue a little late due to all the traffic surrounding the area, but we quickly settled in to watch the tryouts. Webmaster Arielle Cruz also joined the selection panel to help out those who were still stuck in traffic, and provided his expertise from his days as a goalkeeper with Sunken Garden United.

After the practice sessions, the organizers invited a team of the selection committee down to play exhibition football against some of the players who tried out. It was great fun, as I spent a lot of the time in my usual position as goalkeeper, but also played a lot outfield too. The players were really good and have a great chance in the competition.

After the exhibition game, Rudy announced the selection. Some of the players were obviously disappointed at not being chosen; but those who were selected were delighted. Some of the new players were actually cut out of last years trials, and were happy to make it to the team this year. These new HWC team players have stories that will touch anyone's heart at the main competition – and there will be more on that during the tournament itself!

Football can Change Lives

As the Homeless World Cup’s website says: “Football is an incredibly powerful catalyst for bringing people together, integrating them into society, and building communities.” Rudy del Rosario has done great work with the team, promoting not only football in the Philippines, but how the game can change society.

The HWC team is made up not only of the best players, but those whose lives will completely be changed by Paris. This is the most worthy goal in any sport. The final selection of the eight players to represent the Philippines, courtesy of streetsoccerphilippines.com, is:

Jeffrey Guelas, 22 , Leveriza, Manila
Jeffrey de Castro, 22, Cainta, Rizal
Bert Anthony Sienes, 18, Manila Boystown
Janrick Soriano, 21, Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Michael Rojo, 26, Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Aljhonn Loui Matulac, 18, Estancia, Iloilo
John Celiz, 18, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo
Christopher Mullon, 17, Nehemiah Boys Home, Cebu City

For more information on the competition, visit the Homeless World Cup website at:
www.homelessworldcup.org