MANILA — Some 10 young talented footballers have fulfilled their dreams after attending the Milo FC Barcelona Camp from Nov. 4 to 12 in Spain.
The Filipinos, together with players from Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Maldives, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela, were immersed in a series of sessions with Football Club Barcelona Youth Academy’s coaches, both on the pitch at Ciutat Esportivo training ground and in the classroom at Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona.
The training sessions are based on the Barca methodology that includes creative passing and attacking brand of football while underscoring the importance of positive values.
The Filipinos were able to apply what they learned in a friendly match with young players from Fundacion Marcet Football Academy.
The Filipino booters, who got an exclusive training with former Brazil and Barcelona player and legend Juliano Belleti, also had the opportunity to watch FC Barcelona play against Betis in a La Liga match.
The members of the Philippine team are Lien Dale Manuel, Alexander David Villarosa, Breindal Medina, Heaven Andrei Teodosio, Tristan Ybanez, Juan Pablo Unlay, Dylan Theodore Wong, Carlo Antonio Bongocan, Jelena Loren Soon and Daniel Isaac Cagaanan. They were selected by a panel composed of executives and coaches from Milo, Cebu Football Association and FCB Youth Academy in Cebu.
“We are delighted to fulfill the dreams of these 10 talented football players who have not only shown us the right skills but also embody the values that Milo and FCB espouse, namely humility, effort, ambition, respect and teamwork,” said Milo Philippines consumer marketing manager Robbie de Vera, during a press conference held to welcome the return of the Philippine team at the Amici Restaurant in Makati City on Wednesday
“Seeing their faces light up with excitement from the moment they stepped foot in Camp Nou, to their interactions with coaches and fellow players from around the world has been a great honor to witness. We are happy to be a part of the journey that will hopefully inspire these kids and others to pursue their passions,” de Vera added.