Luck of the draw: Dream Big Pilipinas 14&U training team finishes top 4 in the Nomads Cup

Feb 2 – A mix of 12-14 years olds from Pasig and Mandaluyong were formed to participate in the Nomads Cup in Merville Village without practice session. The primary objective was to field a larger group of players who have not participated in high-level competition.

The first team impressed by keeping ball possession consistently in all their matches, but unfortunately could not convert offensively. Rustiness showed in frequent misfires at goal.The result were multiple draws, which eliminated the team from moving out of the group stages. This though was a feat considering the team’s lack of training, as well as the level of competition they were up against, with some teams training 2-3 hours daily.

Due to another team’s default the second team advanced to the semifinals against host club Nomads FC who eventually won the tournament. The team held a strong defensive stand for the first half, but the opposing team pulled through with 4 goals to finish the match.

Those playing in their first tournament expressed a lot of joy in the experience. Players also took full advantage of the village playground where they were able to interact with players from other teams.

Note: 2 players from the Weekend Football Clinic Fundraisers joined the contingeant: Striker, Jack Flor and Full Back, Davin Cuaso.

Dream Big Pilipinas on GMA Sports News

Jan 29 – Dream Big Pilipinas scholars were featured on the Sunday Sports Segment of GMA News Channel last January 20. 6th Grader Yong Cabiles, and 7th Graders Xam Cariterro and Michael Gonzales shared life in the football club, and the transition into an international school. (Segment starts : 4mins, and 45seconds into the clip)

Dream Big Pilipinas finishes 4th in Pinay FC Football Festival; bags best defender award

Jan 12 – With only little preparation and training behind them, the Dream Big Pilipinas FA ladies team well-exceeded expectations in their debut at the first ever Pinay FC ladies football festival in Taguig City.

The players were assembled from different communities on very short notice to test their football knowledge as a unit. Where chemistry is often a challenge for players in tournaments, especially for teams who haven’t played together enough, the team showed great trust in one another. Passing was very active, and support around the ball handlers were consistent. On top of this, players exchanged encouraging words throughout matches and even joked around on the field from time to time.

As a result, positivity was high, as was the fun level.

The team reached the elimination rounds with 2 wins and 2 draws –both draws coming from Mango FC, the club that eventually won the festival. Dream Big Pilipinas bowed out on penalty kicks against Payatas FC in the battle for 3rd.

Claire Carion, the team’s right back, bagged best defender of the tournament for consistently thwarting attacks and controlling possession from her flank.

Dream Big Pilipinas would like to thank the ladies of Pinay FC for an amazing tournament, and for providing our girls the opportunity to shine. We are extremely grateful.

On the other side of of town: Dream Big Pilipinas Team conducts football clinics in Caloocan City

Jan 5 – Starters of the Dream Big Pilipinas 14&U Select Team take time to give back by conducting a free football clinic in Caloocan for 20 kids in the community.

The initiative is in cooperation with the Ambassador of Chile and the Minister of Argentina, with the objective of standardizing a grassroots football program in the area, and to develop programs that would allow the football program to be self-sustaining.

The South American representatives expressed delight on how the  organization conducts its programs, and are keen on scaling grassroots football with Dream Big Pilipinas as early as this summer.

Head Start: Dream Big Pilipinas 7&U team debuts in 2012 Xavier Cup, 13&U Select Team shines

Dec 1 – Dream Big Pilipinas fielded its youngest contingent of players in the 2012 Xavier Cup, held in Xavier School, San Juan.

Jitters showed early for the team, during its first 2 matches against UP and La Salle. However, the team came alive and finished with a victory against Xavier Football Club, 4-0. The short-handed team, which featured just 7 players, bowed out early in the tournament due to fatigue and minor injuries.

In the same tournament, the 13&U Select team impressed inside the “group of death” category, which featured Premier Selection Teams from Manila Football School, Xavier, Hedcen, and Don Bosco.

The team came up just short of points to advance to the championship rounds; however, impressed in close matches against Hedcen (1-0) and MFS (2-1); and outclassed Xavier (5-0) and Don Bosco (7-0). Despite again being arguably the shortest team in the division, resilient players showed off their quick passing and team-play to control possession in all their matches.

Team finished the year strong and now looks forward to a tournament-packed 2013, with a very positive outlook.