Grassroots football festival set July 28

Source: Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan | Sun Star Davao

A FREE grassroots football festival will kick off on July 28 at the Calinan National High School and Calinan Elementary School fields.

Secretary-general Erwin Protacio of the organizing Davao Football Association said the one-day festival will showcase children booters in drill, small-sided games and fun drills.

Protacio, in an e-mailed statement to Sun.Star Davao, said Davao FA will also hold a second Grassroots Course at the CNHS on August 21 and 22.

"The course is open to all interested teachers and coaches from public and private schools, clubs, teams, and NGOs involved with kids aged 6 to 12 years old. The session will start after a brief opening ceremony at 8 a.m.," Protacio said.

The course will tackle theoretical and practical aspects of playing the game and will serve as a preparation in conducting a festival.

Davao FA grassroots development officer Ramonito Carreon along with Davao FA Women’s Committee head coach Rachelle de los Reyes and referees committee head Danny Boy Fernandez will handle the course.

Participants, however, are required to bring proper playing attire.

The first grassroots course held on July 7 and 8 drew a total of 56 teacher-coaches while the July 14 festival attracted 529 kids.

The Philippine Football Federation, PAGCOR, the Department of Education, the Office of Congressman Isidro T. Ungab, Calinan National High School, Cherifer Vitamins, Medvil Farms and University of the Philippines Mindanao are backing up the Grassroots Course and Festival. MLSA