Project Launch:

Outside of basketball there were not many options for youth in the community to participate in organized team sports at the Guiuan National High School in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. A $500 grant from World Connect’s Kids to Kids Program in 2010, gave these young people the opportunity to play soccer and start a men's and women’s soccer team at the high school. Women are not usually given the opportunity to compete in most sports and elementary school children do not have the opportunity to participate in organized sports of any kind, leaving young kids few opportunities for physical activity. These new teams now enjoy the health benefits that playing sports offers and have the opportunity to socialize and interact with other children. The benefits of the project for the younger kids include learning about teamwork, fair play, and leadership. The high school players have learned about giving back to their community and being community leaders, since they are the ones teaching the younger kids how to play and helping to run the league by serving as coaches and referees.