The final day of the Kick It: Free Futsal Summer Clinic marked the successful completion of a 30-day grassroots sports development program that brought together 80 young athletes from Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City.
Organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay San Pedro in partnership with United Paragua Football Club (UPFC) Inc., the initiative was designed to provide children and young people with access to quality futsal training while promoting values such as teamwork, discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and personal growth.
Launched on April 21, 2026, the clinic welcomed participants aged 5 to 17 years old, offering them an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of futsal in a safe, inclusive, and development-focused environment. To maximize learning and participation, the athletes were divided into two training clusters, with each group completing 15 days of intensive coaching sessions.
More Than Just a Sports Program
Beyond developing technical football and futsal skills, the clinic aimed to create positive experiences that help shape young individuals both on and off the court. Through structured training sessions, participants learned the importance of commitment, perseverance, cooperation, and leadership—qualities that extend far beyond sports.
The program reflects the growing commitment of local organizations and community leaders to use sports as a platform for youth development and social transformation.
United Paragua Football Club’s Continued Commitment
As the first grassroots football club in Palawan with complete legitimacy through registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and accreditation as a Civil Society Organization by the City Government of Puerto Princesa, United Paragua Football Club continues to play a significant role in advancing football and futsal development in the province.
UPFC promotes futsal and football not only as competitive sports but also as tools for holistic human and Christian development. Through its grassroots initiatives, the club strives to provide opportunities for young athletes to discover their potential, build character, and pursue their dreams through sports.
Creating Pathways for Young Talents
One of the club’s notable contributions is its partnership with the Henry V. Moran Foundation (THVMI), which focuses on identifying and supporting promising futsal talents from local communities.
Through this collaboration, UPFC has helped facilitate opportunities for deserving athletes to pursue their education while continuing their sporting journey. Most recently, four incoming Grade 11 female players from Palawan qualified for full futsal athletic scholarships at Aquinas School in San Juan City, demonstrating how grassroots programs can open doors to life-changing opportunities.
These success stories highlight the importance of sustained grassroots development and the impact that community-based programs can have on the future of young athletes.
A Community Effort
The success of the Kick It: Free Futsal Summer Clinic was made possible through the collective support of various stakeholders who share a common vision of empowering the youth through sports.
The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to the program’s sponsors:
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Grandeur International
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Bonko
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Alaska
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Their support helped ensure that the clinic remained accessible and free for participating children and young people.
Special appreciation was also extended to the parents and guardians who continuously encouraged their children throughout the program, as well as the Western Naval Command, UPFC coaches and trainers, volunteers, and community partners who generously contributed their time, effort, and expertise.
Continuing the Mission
The conclusion of the 30-day clinic is not the end of the journey. It represents another important step in strengthening the futsal ecosystem in Palawan and creating more opportunities for young athletes to learn, grow, and excel.
As grassroots football and futsal continue to gain momentum across the country, programs like the Kick It: Free Futsal Summer Clinic demonstrate the powerful role sports can play in shaping future leaders, building stronger communities, and providing pathways for youth development.
Through collaboration, dedication, and community support, Palawan’s young athletes are being given more opportunities to dream bigger, work harder, and reach new heights both in sports and in life.
OneFutbol Salute Message
OneFutbol Asia proudly salutes the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay San Pedro, United Paragua Football Club (UPFC) Inc., coaches, trainers, volunteers, parents, sponsors, and community partners for their collective efforts in making the Kick It: Free Futsal Summer Clinic a meaningful success.
Through initiatives like this, young athletes are given more than just an opportunity to learn the game. They are provided with an environment that encourages discipline, teamwork, respect, leadership, and personal growth. The successful participation of 80 young players over the 30-day program is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to invest in its youth.
We also commend UPFC for its continued commitment to futsal development in Palawan and for creating pathways that connect talented players to educational and athletic opportunities. The success of four young female athletes earning full futsal scholarships demonstrates the long-term impact that grassroots programs can have on the lives of aspiring players and their families.
As football and futsal continue to grow across the Philippines, programs like the Kick It: Free Futsal Summer Clinic serve as a reminder that meaningful development starts at the grassroots level. Every training session, every volunteer effort, and every opportunity provided to a young player helps strengthen the future of the sport in the country.
Continue Exploring Grassroots Football
Grassroots football continues to transform communities across the Philippines by creating opportunities for young players to learn, compete, and pursue their dreams through the sport.
For another inspiring example of how football communities are making a difference, read our feature on Villamor FC’s Donate-A-Gear Project: Bringing Hope to Grassroots Football in the Philippines:
The initiative highlights how football clubs, volunteers, and supporters are helping aspiring players gain access to essential equipment and opportunities that keep them engaged in the game.
Together, these stories showcase the power of grassroots football in creating positive change, opening doors for young athletes, and strengthening football communities throughout the Philippines.
