MANILA,
Philippines, November 2017 — The MILO FCB Road to Barcelona program recently
culminated in a nine-day journey of extraordinary football opportunities,
multicultural camaraderie, and unforgettable memories for the very first
Philippine delegation.
Joining 55 other players from different
countries namely Australia, Colombia, Jamaica, New Zealand, Tahiti, Thailand,
Singapore, and Panama, the Philippine team, composed of nine talented football
players, embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime training in Barcelona Spain that proved
to be the biggest milestone in their promising journey as athletes to date.
The delegates’ ultimate champion experience
began at the home stadium of FC Barcelona, Camp Nou. Here, they were taught the
theoretical foundations of playing the Barca way, followed by an awe-inspiring
tour of the entire football mecca and its in-house museum. No doubt,
celebrating the club’s rich history in its home court, walking the halls of the
arena, and stepping on the pitch where their idols play was a mark off on these
kids’ bucket list.
They underwent a series of football clinics
over the next two days, led by the coaches of FCB Escola, the youth academy of
FC Barcelona. This gave the Philippine players a chance to interact with the
their fellow delegates, make new friends, and talk about their passion for the
sport with kids their age. Under the tutelage of the coaches, the players were
taught custom club drills and the principles of Tiki-taka—a style of play
characterized by short, effective passing and movement during possession.
Outside the trainings, group activities like bowling, football freestyle, and
other games strengthened the bond these kids had with one another.
Another highlight of their trip to Barcelona
was being able to watch a marquee football match. Seeing football icons Lionel
Messi, Luis Suarez, Gerard Piqué, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, and the
other stars of FC Barcelona play in the flesh was a surreal moment for the
kids. Treated to premier seats for an impressive view of the action, the
children cheered their hearts out as FC Barcelona prevailed over Málaga CF.
During the tour of the city and its famous
attractions, the participants marveled at Barcelona’s distinct architectures
and cultural landmarks, and even had their pictures taken at the Sagrada
Família and Park Güell—scenic masterpieces by renowned Catalan architect,
Antonio Gaudi.
The MILO FCB Ultimate Experience further
thrilled the Philippine team as they were part of the select markets to
participate in an intimate training session with FC Barcelona legend, Eric
Abidal. It was a privilege for the players to learn firsthand from one of the
most revered defenders of the sport, who not only facilitated the drills, but
also imparted some words of encouragement on the importance of team play and
hard work to the youth present.
“My MILO FCB experience was truly unforgettable
as I finally learned how to play the Barça way. It
also made me realize that no matter how good a player is, still nothing beats
playing with a team. The lessons and values imparted to me during the trip will
stay with me on and off the pitch,” said 10-year old delegate Boris Malcolm Uy,
“My favorite part of the trip was making new
friends with other young football players from different countries and the
training we got from FC Barcelona. It really helped me become not only a better
player, but also a better person altogether. I learned that when you score or
make a goal, it’s not your goal. It’s your team’s goal. It’s a team effort. I
hope I get another chance like this in the future,” shared 10-year old delegate
from Cebu, Ethan Jacob Roxas.
“MILO is very proud and honored to have given
our young players this ultimate champion journey in Barcelona, as they are
truly deserving of it. We recognize how this experience has inspired them
further as they pursue success back home on and off the pitch. It is our hope
that this values-driven partnership with FC Barcelona will continue to give
hope to more aspiring athletes in the country,” said Robbie De Vera, Sports
Marketing Manager of MILO Philippines.
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About Nestlé MILO
MILO is the
world’s leading chocolate malt beverage. Loved and trusted by parents and kids
alike, MILO products offer essentials vitamins and minerals that promote the
holistic development of children around the world. For more information on MILO
Philippines, log on to the official website (http://www.milo.com.ph) or the
MILO Philippines Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/milo.ph). Follow MILO
on Twitter (@MiloPH) and Instagram (@MiloPhilippines).
About FC Barcelona
FC
Barcelona was founded on November 29, 1899 through the initiative of a Swiss
gentleman named Hans Maximilian Gamper, popularly known as Joan Gamper. Since
it was founded, the Club has had 44 different presidents. From Walter Wild to
the current President, Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barça has grown into a massive
social phenomenon that reaches far beyond the bounds of mere sport.
The
Club has grown along with the city around it, and has come to represent
Barcelona and Catalonia all around the world. The Club is now a global brand
and a giant in the sports world.
FC
Barcelona has one of largest memberships among football clubs worldwide and its
achievements have also made it one of the most successful. The many famous
victories and the Club’s all-time greats (Kubala, Cruyff, Maradona, Romário,
Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Messi, and so many more) form an important part of the
Barça legacy
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