by: Justine Ann Alcantara

Twenty-four (24) kids aged 9-13 years old joined the Virtual Football Summer Sports Clinic held on May 27, 2021 conducted by the Municipal Government of Los Baños in partnership with Acquire Football Training and Local Youth Development Office of Los Baños through the Zoom platform.

Twenty-four (24) kids aged 9-13 years old joined the Virtual Football Summer Sports Clinic held on May 27, 2021 conducted by the Municipal Government of Los Baños in partnership with Acquire Football Training and Local Youth Development Office of Los Baños through the Zoom platform.

The Municipal Government of Los Baños aims to provide a sports program for children to promote active lifestyle and physical and mental wellness at home.

The Virtual Football Summer Sports Clinic is a half-day training consisting of discussions and demonstrations. Adrian Payson, Coach of Acquire Football Training, discussed the basic skills in football such as passing, dribbling, shooting, goalkeeping, etc. Moreover, information about COVID-19 was also discussed to the children as well as the importance of attending online sports training.

According to Miguel Rebugio, 13 years old and one of the participants, this kind of sports activity during the pandemic helps him to eat in a well-balanced diet, become more active, and have a sharp mind.

“Natutunan ko po yung mga skills po na pwede ko pa pong maimprove sa akin,”  he added. 

I learned the skills that I can still improve for myself.

The sports activity was initiated by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Los Baños as it plans to have a program for sports. The LGU coordinated with the Acquire Football Training Team and Local Youth Development Office of Los Baños. They have planned and discussed the possible alternative equipment, the contents to be discussed, and the target participants.

According to Coach Ryan, there were a lot of challenges faced before the virtual training was conducted and during its implementation. This includes the lack of equipment to be used by the children in their respective homes and technical issues such as poor internet connectivity that interrupted the flow of the program. Simultaneously monitoring the 24 participants during the demonstration was also a difficulty considering the platform used. Hence, being a half day activity, time constraints posed limitations in terms of discussions and actual demonstrations of the activities.

Moreover, the shift from face to face activities to purely online is very challenging. “Maliit po yung space ng pagte-training and hindi po masyado malakasan yung pagsipa ng bola,” said Miguel.  

There is a small space for the training and I can’t freely kick the ball.

Payson also emphasized that coaches and parents are vital influencers for the kids’ learning process. He also added that coaches should keep on teaching amidst the pandemic.  

“Don’t lose hope kahit isa o dalawang players yan, turuan mo pa rin. It is important for the kids to have activities at home especially for their physical and mental health aspects.”

Don’t lose hope, even if there’s only one or two players, still teach them. It is important for the kids to have activities at home especially for their physical and mental health aspects.

Payson also mentioned that the parents are encouraged to support their children in sports for them to keep going and to avoid discouragement.

According to Lervyn Rebugio, 44 years old and Miguel’s father, their family have seen Miguel’s potential in sports as early as 2 years old and allowed him to train at a very young age. 

“Sports gives everybody mental and physical wellness. Children will be able to learn to work with a team, learn how to prepare, face defeat and learn from it. As for Miguel, he developed his communication skills, gained friends, was disciplined, and he’s able to cope with problems,” shares Lervyn.

He also added that guidance, support and continuous teaching of children’s lessons are the things parents can do for their children. 

Discussions during the online training allow the trainees to practice the lessons and be able to apply it when physical training resumes. But for now, Payson’s tips for the trainees are the importance of having a positive mindset, focus, and hardwork.

The Municipal Government of Los Baños together with LYDO and Acquire Training Football Team is eyeing for another Virtual Football Summer Sports Clinic for teachers and officials. 

The Acquire Football Training Team has been conducting one-on-one and small group training via Zoom meetings. They also have “Game Changers” which is an online training and interview with players for the younger generation of footballers to train online or at home during the pandemic. For more information, you may reach them through their social media accounts.

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