Grass Roots Football

Go for the Goal, Cordillera Administrative Regions under 12 football team

BLAME it on the popularity of the Philippine Azkals. But this is good news for localfootball squads as they are now being noticed by corporate sponsors who are willing to back them up in future competitions.

The Cordillera Region under 12 squad, which will compete in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Dapitan City slated in the first week of May, was lucky enough to have a corporate backer for their campaign this year in the annual sports competition.

This sponsorship means big to us. This will be our inspiration to do better this time and we hope to bring home a better finish in the competition," said Cordillera footballelementary coach Gatan Dalang during simple send-off program by Goshen Land Capital Inc.

Goshen formally inked a deal with the Cordillera elementary football squad Monday morning in its effort to help boost grassroots sports programs not only in the city but also in the region as well.

The realty estate developer also provided uniforms, vitamins, and some cash for the team who will be eyeing another stellar performance in the annual Palaro.

Cordillera is aiming for a better finish this year and Coach Galang is optimistic the boys will once again prove their worth against their counterparts from all over the country.

"This is our way of helping in the grassroots sports development of the region and at the same time I believe that Cordillerans can excel in football," said Goshen Chief Executive Officer Alex Bangsoy.

Bangsoy also urged the city government to provide an ample playing venue for footballas Melvin Jones was designed for football and hopes the premiere promenade area will be improved with the support of the private and public sectors.

This year's Palarong Pambansa will be held in Dapitan City, where national hero Jose P. Rizal spent the last few years of his life when he was in exile.

Some P200 million has been pledged by Western Mindanao political leaders for the staging of the 2011 Palarong Pambansa which the Department of Education (DepEd) scheduled from May 8 to 14.

The 10-hectare sports complex of the Dapitan City-based Jose Rizal Memorial State University will serve as the main venue of the Palaro which will be participated in by over 10,000 athletes, coaches, chaperons, and meet officials from 17 regional delegations.