Dream Generation in Motion: F4L Academy Kicks Off in Barangay Rawis

On April 5, 2025, Barangay Rawis in Dulag, Leyte came alive with energy, excitement, and purpose as FundLife officially kicked off the Football for Life: Dream Generation Academy (F4L:DGA). The session marked the beginning of a transformative journey for children and youth in the area—one that combines the joy of play with the power of education and community resilience.

Before the session began, students received their F4L kits, which included uniforms they will wear during regular sessions. The kickoff also introduced the students and community members to FundLife—who we are, what we do, and why we believe in creating safe, inclusive spaces where every child can thrive. It was a valuable moment to build connections and share our mission of empowering youth through purposeful play and education.

With spirits high and uniforms on, the students took to the field for an engaging warm-up led by Coach Dan and Coach France. The fun exercises not only energized the children but also set the tone for a day of teamwork and skill-building. After the warm-up, our seasoned coaches guided the students through basic football station drills, offering foundational coaching while encouraging discipline, cooperation, and self-confidence.

The session was attended by 31 students from Barangay Rawis, a mix of both boys and girls eager to learn and play. Supporting the event were Mr. Alvin V. Genotiva, teacher and focal person from Rawis Elementary School, and Hon. Jeric Tumandao, SK Chairperson of Barangay Rawis and SK Federation President. Their presence reflected strong community backing for the initiative and a shared commitment to nurturing young minds.

The Football for Life: Dream Generation Academy is a movement to restore children’s access to meaningful play and quality education while addressing environmental challenges. Through the innovative use of recycled plastic waste, the project aims to build climate-resilient, community-owned spaces where young people, especially girls, can learn, play, and lead.

The F4L:DGA works closely with three schools and two communities: Dulag National High School, Cabacungan National High School, Rawis Elementary School, Rawis Community, and Cabatuan Community. These partnerships form the backbone of a broader effort to reach and impact 25,000 socially and economically disadvantaged children and youth across the region.

The project is anchored on four core objectives. First, it aims to create safe spaces that foster personal growth and development for children, particularly girls. Second, it promotes community-wide awareness and behavior change around plastic waste management and recycling. Third, it empowers girls through the Girls Community League (GCL), a structured sports program that promotes confidence, gender equity, and leadership. Lastly, the project seeks to inspire local policy change, encouraging initiatives such as "no-plastic days" and improved community waste systems.

Over the course of the program, several key outputs will be delivered. These include the construction of a learning space and a multi-sport futsal court in Barangay Rawis. Sixty Futsal for Development sessions will be held, complemented by three capacity-building trainings for youth mentors who will lead play-based and environmental education activities. The Girls Community League will be launched with 12 target teams and 120 girl participants, culminating in 20 organized matchdays that increase opportunities for girls in sports. Two community festivals will also be hosted to promote social inclusion, sustainability, and engagement. In addition, youth champions will be supported in launching campaigns that raise awareness and drive action around plastic waste reduction and better waste management.

The kickoff session in Barangay Rawis is only the beginning. With each football session, training, and community event, we move closer to a future where children are safe, supported, and empowered to dream in color. FundLife, together with its partners, remains committed to turning this vision into reality—one child, one community, and one goal at a time.