MEET THE TEAM
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Marko Kasic
Founder and Programme Director |
Olga Babina
Financial Director |
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Margaux Inocando
Community Development and Communications Manager |
John Rex Acuin
Administrative Intern |
ADVISORS
John Nauright
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Juan Miguel Guerra Davila
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Raj Burman
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ARSENAL IN THE COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY MENTORS
Patrina Kaye Caceres
Reuben Ranille
John Paul Masubay
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Francis Michael Diorico
Marvin Alaon
Bernard Basas
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Hazel Cerena
Jhean Hessel Nierras
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Ralph Releno
Rhyss Buranday
Robelyn Villas
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Daryl Villamor
Juanillo Requillas III
Junas Jabuen
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Our former teammates speak about what it's like to work with us!
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"I spent 11 weeks working with Fundlife and was thoroughly impressed with the organisation. The children at the sessions are taught football skills and also life lessons. It was a very humbling experience for me to see these children, who come from difficult backgrounds, to be able to forget about their troubles for a couple of hours and simply enjoy themselves. The coaches are great role models for the local communities and I'm sure they provide hope for many. On a personal note, I have taken so much away from my experiences. Living and working with locals was great and it helped me to really experience the culture. The highest praise I can give my time there is to say I would love to return and do it all again."
- Tom Hatcher, UK (Arsenal Coach, January-March 2017) Thank you Fundlife International for giving me this opportunity, it was a dream come true! Dreams do come true, and I can see how you open these kids eyes by encouraging them to dream big while they work on themselves individually and with a fellow Kapwa, be it on or off the football field. I wish you success or even better as you transition into your other program “Going Places.” I am confident that there are positive psycho-social impacts on the kids and the coaches enjoy what they are doing. During my talk with I shared with them more about my background and how football has brought me here even though I am not a professional football player or a full time coach. Thanks for letting me share my experience and likewise learn from the players, coaches and people that benefit from the program.
- Lee Suleiman, Nigeria (Volunteer Coach, March 2016) In 2016, I went to visit FundLife International in the Philippines. It was a wonderful time to meet all the coaches who are really active and enthusiastic to learn. I have been to different places in Tacloban with the coaches and met so many lovely kids. They seem to be really enjoying football. I think their programme is really good because they teach the youth how to work with kids well. This is a very good way to inspire children because they would have someone to look up to. They would have someone to support them in their dreams, like me when I was young. One day it would be their turn to be a good role model, a good leader, and a good coach - or successful player. All these I learned and realized from my experience working and playing with the staff, coaches, and the kids of Tacloban.
- Nipha Cheun, Cambodia (Volunteer Coach, April 2016) |
"To work in a field which grants access to a new world of opportunities thru the beautiful game of football is the most enjoyable "work" worldwide. I use the word "work" in a sarcastic sense, because the work I oversaw at Fundlife International it is not your typical 9-5 work, it is a passionate movement of humankind. Thanks to FundLife International, its donors and staff, children throughout Tacloban receive equal access to sport, safe space, integrative learning and adult mentorship, allowing them to carve a new life path, no matter how jagged the steps, to a fresh future." - Sarah Van Vooren, USA (Program Operations Manager, 2015-2016) Having spent the first quarter of 2017 working with FundLife International as part of the Arsenal Gap Programme, I can confidently say that it has been one of the most eye-opening adventure of my life. Collaborating with the staff and the coaching team to deliver their Football for Life programme, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenging yet highly rewarding project which tested many facets of my personal and professional experiences. Although shaky at times, looking back at it all, I am totally grateful to have had the chance to go through what I have while being able to meet some amazing individuals and also see some breathtaking parts of the Philippines in the process. So thank you FundLife, the staff, the coaches and the kids. You have left me with some great memories which I will cherish everyday and I wish you all the best in the future.
- Andy Nguyen, Australia (Arsenal Youth Coach, January-March 2017) I joined the Fundlife in February of 2016. I was welcomed in the team with open arms and quickly felt not only integrated in the team, but also immersed in the Filipino culture. The feeling within the team is very similar to a Start-up environment. There is a lot of room for taking own initiatives, suggesting ideas, and taking things into your own hands. I learned a lot about the nature of an NGO, building partnerships and the hard work of getting funding for the meaningful work that organizations like FundLife are trying to do. I had an amazing time both in and out of work, and I would like to thank the entire FundLife team for giving me this opportunity and for making all of this happen. I hope to work with you some day in the future and make more dreams in colour come true.
- Patryk Klos, Poland (Intern, February-June 2016) |
