Davao street kids eyed to join SCWC in Brazil

STREET children in Davao City may now have the opportunity to play in the Street Child World Cup in Brazil next year.

SCWC Philippines coordinator Craig Burrows, who was a guest at the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at Dexter's Pizza Stadium in Matina on Thursday, said they will form the boys and girls under-16 teams.

The Philippines, which fielded a mixed team, won the championship in 2019 over Brazil.

"We are opening up opportunities for NGOs not just in Manila but also in key cities of the country to take part in this endeavor. I'm here to meet some NGOs like the Tambayan Center which I was told already has a strong football team. We really look forward to seeing Dabawenyos form part of the Brazil-bound Philippine teams," Burrows said.

He, however, said they may send scouts here to select potential players or Davao-based NGOs may put up a mini tournament to determine players who are qualified to join the national teams.

The SCWC is giving street children an opportunity to change their lives since the sport of football will keep them away from addiction to solvents, among other vices.

Burrows said, "The kids will not just compete to win the tournament. They will compete to win in life."

He cited that players of the 2010 national champion squad each had started a new way of life with one booter already seeing action in the UFL while another has become a coach and the rest have landed decent jobs.

The SCWC is a 6-A-Side futsal event. (MLSA)