In the Homeless World Cup, in Milan, Italy this September 6-13, 22 out of the top 25 countries in the world will be represented, including the top three teams, Russia, Scotland, and Poland. Equal to the Philippines finish in Melbourne, we will come into this tournament ranked 37th out of the 48 countries. Three countries are unranked; Costa Rico, Ivory Coast, and Luxemburg are making their first appearance in the International tournament.

We feel we have a team that can surprise some of the powerhouse squads from the west. We have some skilled players, like our captain Ronaldo Yurag. We are fast, quick, stronger and more physical than in 2008. I remember last year jumping out to 3-1 lead against Norway, who finished 16th overall. That may have been a fluke, they beat us 8-4, but this year we have a team that could finish what that team started. The expectation however, and a warning given to us last year in Melbourne, by Mel Young, the founder, is this year’s competition will be much tougher.

Since early May the team has been practicing twice a week at La Salle Greenhills. We have appreciated the support of Brother Felipe and the La Salle Community. The Homeless World Cup tournament is played on a 16m by 22m artificial pitch with one-meter sidewalls. We have a serviceable court of plywood, donated by the Moran Family.

Coach Marlon Maro and Coach Joselito Pimentel plan on ramping up the practice schedule to 4 days a week, and throw in some fun games on Saturday as well. We must do this to compete at a higher level. Consequently we have made arrangements with Park Ridge Condominium in Valley Golf. They have a gym where we can set up our court for daily practices Monday through Saturday. Our first practice was held at Park Ridge Tuesday June 24th.

Funding for the team is progressing. We have a number of new supporters this year in addition to all of those who helped us last year, including Monchu Garcia, Patxi Elizalde, Nonong Araneta, Eric Gutierrez, Danny Moran, Randy Roxas, Dodie King, Gatorade, Smart, Dept of Tourism, R&D Tec Design, Inc., Nokia, and The Philippine Star. Our two main sponsors this year are Jeepney magazine and The Henry V Moran Foundation. We are within P150,000 of our P1.1 million budget, which has included training, documentation, and travel. All good news.

And more good news is the donation from a multi-media team in Michigan called Petersen Productions. They have done some elite sporting projects over the years including a documentary on the Tennessee woman’s basketball coach Pat Summit, the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history. In support of the Homeless World Cup and specifically the Philippine team, Petersen will be producing a daily multi-media segment for us. They are flying a team of 6 to Milan and covering all expenses. Last year, those of you following the Homeless World Cup, were sent photos and stories, this year it will be a daily three-minute professional video, featuring Team Philippines representing their country.

For those of you football fans, practices are open, scrimmages welcome. Come and check out this team. 37th is good, but we are playing to be number 1.