A Grassroots Initiative Built Through Compassion
Grassroots football is more than just developing athletes: it is about building dreams, creating opportunities, and inspiring communities. Through the “Donate A Gear, So Others Can Play” project, Coach Takyo Jardeleza and Villamor Football Club continue to prove that even simple acts of generosity can change young lives through sport.
Many young footballers in the Philippines continue to show up for training and games even without proper football gear. Some play using worn-out shoes, borrowed kits, or without complete equipment at all. Seeing this reality firsthand inspired Coach Takyo Jardeleza and Villamor Football Club to start the “Donate A Gear, So Others Can Play” project.
How One Photo Sparked an Advocacy
The advocacy was further inspired by a viral photo shared within the football community: a 7-year-old footballer from Dumaguete attending training with his shoes wrapped in plastic so he could continue playing. For Coach Takyo, the image was heartbreaking and became the turning point that pushed him to start collecting and donating football gear for children who need support to continue chasing their dreams through football.
Through the initiative, Villamor FC collects donated football boots, jerseys, shin guards, socks, footballs, cones, training bibs, goalkeeper gloves, and other usable football equipment to help young athletes continue playing and pursuing their passion for the sport.
More Than Just Football Gear
The project’s name, “Donate A Gear, So Others Can Play,” carries a simple but meaningful message: that one small act of kindness can help another child continue playing the sport they love. Every donated item becomes an opportunity for a young player to train, learn, compete, and dream.
Over time, the project grew through the support of generous donors and members of the football community who believe that every child deserves the chance to play. Donations of boots, kits, footballs, and training equipment have already reached several young athletes and communities, helping aspiring players continue their football journey despite limited resources.
Football Community Coming Together
Several members of the football community have already extended support to the advocacy. Aside from Villamor FC, Touch-a-Heart FA donated one duffel bag of usable footballs, while Inter Kit PH contributed quality jerseys and other football equipment. Some donations also came directly from Villamor FC players and generous individuals who wanted to help the cause.
Most of the turnover activities and outreach efforts are personally funded by Coach Takyo Jardeleza, with additional support and contributions coming from supportive parents and members of the community who believe in the project’s mission.
Turnover Activity in Candelaria, Quezon
Last May 16, Villamor FC conducted another meaningful turnover activity in Candelaria, Quezon, where 25 young footballers from Kinatihan 1 Elementary School received donated football gear from the project.
The outreach aimed to support children who are passionate about football but have limited access to the equipment needed for training and competition. Beneficiaries are carefully identified through coordination with local coaches, football organizers, schools, and community leaders who know which young players are most in need.
Aside from distributing the donated gear, the activity also included plans for football sessions, friendly matches, and short training activities to make the experience more enjoyable and memorable for the children.
For Villamor FC, the project goes beyond simply giving away equipment. It also teaches values of compassion, unity, teamwork, and community support through football. Every pair of boots, jersey, or football donated becomes an opportunity for a young player to continue learning, improving, and dreaming.
The Journey Doesn’t Stop Here
The outreach efforts do not stop in Quezon. Villamor FC shared that another turnover activity is already scheduled, with one box of football gear set to be shipped to Dumaguete and received by BAM FC to support even more young footballers in their community.
As the project continues to expand, Villamor FC hopes to reach more areas and inspire more people within the football community to support grassroots football programs across the country.
Currently, the project continues to accept donations of:
- Football shoes/cleats
- Jerseys and kits
- Shin guards
- Socks
- Training bibs
- Goalkeeper gloves
- Footballs
- Goal posts and training equipment
Supporters may also help by sponsoring activities, sharing the advocacy online, or partnering with future outreach programs.
For more information about the project or if you would like to donate and support future outreach activities, you may reach out to Coach Takyo Jardeleza and message Villamor Football Club.
Salute to Coach Takyo Jardeleza, Villamor FC, and everyone supporting the “Donate A Gear, So Others Can Play” project for continuing to give young footballers opportunities, hope, and inspiration through the beautiful game.
Through initiatives like “Donate A Gear, So Others Can Play,” Villamor FC reminds everyone that football is not only about competition — it is also about community, hope, and giving every child the chance to play.
