ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Young football players in Iligan are using the sport to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and communication. During the 2nd Cirilo-Isabel Badelles Football Fiesta Cup 2025, several participants spoke about how football has shaped their personal growth on and off the field.
Diego Miguel S. De la Cruz, a Grade 6 student from La Salle Academy, has been playing football for three years. He said the sport has taught him how to communicate effectively with his teammates and stay mentally strong during training.
“I’ve learned quite a lot. I’ve learned how to communicate with my teammates. I encourage you to play fair, not too rough. Train harder, be physically active, and stay mentally strong in your training,” he said.
Jacques Maverick M. Rivera, with three to four years of experience in football, said the sport has instilled in him discipline and respect. “Football has made me a better player and a good sport,” he said.
Eoin Gabriel T. Medina, a player with Isabel Football Club (IFC) for over three years, said football has taught him emotional control and teamwork. “The game has taught me how to manage my emotions and communicate effectively. I encourage everyone to enjoy the game, take their time, and listen to your coach,” Medina advised.
The tournament, held at Cirilo-Isabel Badelles Park in Isabel Village, gathered more than 15 teams from Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, and Cabadbaran.
IFC President Sonny Medina said the event offers youth a path to growth through sport.
“This is for the kids and the youth, to keep loving the game of football. This is for everybody. Share it with everybody and just enjoy and continue to learn and love the game,” he said. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
