YOUNG FOOTBALLERS. AJ Boy Victoriano and Matteo De Venecia, 12 year old football enthusiasts from Philippines, have been selected as country’s representatives at the global Football for Friendship (F4F) social programme. This year, the F4F programme has expanded to 211 countries and regions. The Philippines will participate in the programme for the first time. (Handout photo)
MANILA -- Two young Filipino footballers will head to Russia for the Football for Friendship (F4F) social program.
AJ Boy Victoriano and Matteo De Venecia, both 12-year-old booters, earned the distinction of becoming the first two Filipinos who will participate in the said youth football camp supported by FIFA and Gazprom, the main sponsor of the Russian Premier League.
Victoriano will take part in the training proper and a 32-team Gazprom Football for Friendship International Championship.
De Venecia, on the other hand, will be part of the International Children's Press Center, where the members will provide the latest updates in the F4F program.
Both youngsters will also take part in the Football for Friendship International Children's Forum, speaking in front of their fellow participants and well-known football stars and journalists.
Capping their trip to Russia is an opportunity to watch the opening night of the FIFA World Cup in the flesh.
"The selection of the young ambassadors from Philippines is an extension of our support to this unique global initiative. The programme is a wonderful opportunity for the ambassadors to build ties of friendship among children from around the world and foster peace and harmony through the beautiful game of football. We wish our young ambassadors all the best for the programme and look forward to their contribution in promoting the key values of the programme, in Russia, as well as in Philippines," said Michael Reyes, the managing director of Team Socceroo.
Since letting go of its UFL franchise, Socceroo kept its focus on its youth academy, solidifying its stand as one of the top youth football academies in the Philippines. (PNA)
