To commemorate the bravery and struggle surpassed during the typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) by showing the resilience of youth through competitive and values-driven play, Haiyan Cup 2019, was organized on November 8, 2019, at Barangay 59-A, Sampaguita Multi-Purpose Community Center, Tacloban City.
A total of eight teams or 112 children and youth from different partner schools, local clubs and communities from Leyte and Samar Province huddled together to play in a friendly competition.
The event started with a get-to-know activity where they repeatedly sang the mingle-mingle songs and introduced themselves to a lot of other players breaking the tension brought about by the tournament that they were about to participate in.
The event started with a get-to-know activity where they repeatedly sang the mingle-mingle songs and introduced themselves to a lot of other players breaking the tension brought about by the tournament that they were about to participate in.
All eight teams (under 17 mixed) composed of more than 9 players demonstrated resilience and fair play during the event, remembering what was lost, but looking forward to what they can achieve. Each team showed how they strived to overcome each of their own adversities through the simple game of football.
Acrobatic goalkeeping and strong defences symbolized stories of perseverance and triumphs achieved by young children through football 6 years after the devastation which was brought about Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) not only to their homes but also to their lives.
“It was a great day; everyone has a great time especially the players. And also, while having fun we were all reminded that through hard work and teamwork we can surpass hardships in life”, Coach JP- tournament manager.
With the majority vote, Calbiga FC got the Most Resilient award. This was for all of their players, be it boys and girl’s ability to withstand successive goal attacks and ability to regroup faster whenever their offence is targeted.
Some of the participants of this tournament were being mentored for years under Football for Life Academy (FFLA), a youth-focused program that brings positive changes in the lives of the young children using football and various play activities as an empowerment and engagement tool.
Truly, through sports and play activities, children are taught the values of sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork because this makes them stronger even after disasters, and better in achieving success in their lives.
List of winners:
Champions - TSCHI
1st Runners-UP - RTR Barkada FC
2nd Runners-UP - RTR Barkada FC
Most Resilient - Calbiga FC