FOR some, being disabled may be a disadvantage, but for Noe Lao III, the coach of Cebu’s first amputee football team, it isn’t. “There’s ability inside their disabilities,” said Lao after the team’s exhibition game against Velez College to kick off the Thirsty Football Cup last Feb. 22 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The team is composed of nine players, including two women.
Most of the members of the team are also part of the Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (Pads) dragon boat team.
“We are aiming to form a group that will be purely for football, so the players can focus and they won’t have to split their time,” said Lao.
Lao added that they are also hoping that they can form a separate team for men and women but as of now, they have to settle with a mixed team.
Lao, a volunteer coach of the team, only learned about the group when he saw a post in social media about the amputee team needing players and coaches.
“Passion na sad nako ang mag-coach so I gave it a try,” said Lao, who is a licensed physical therapist. “I also have a few ideas on how to deal with persons with disabilities (PWDs).”
Lao shared that the team has been undergoing trainings on the basics rules in football, basic touches, and positioning.
“I also made some drills and skill trainings that would be specific for them,” Lao said.
One of the pioneering members of the amputee football team is Eunice Cuestas, who is also the goal keeper of the team.
Cuestas mentioned that one of the challenges in forming their team is introducing the sport (amputee football) to others.
“As you can see, it’s not a normal game for amputees... The name itself, football, means you need two feet,” said Cuestas.
Cuestas said there are already groups formed in Manila, Leyte, and Davao, and she is hoping that their team members here in Cebu will continue to grow.
The 26-year old Cuestas has been playing football since 2005 together with the able-bodied players and way before the Amputee Soccer Philippines was formed.
Cuestas shared that when she became an amputee, she was about to lose hope but football gave her the confidence and passion to continue life.
“When I became an amputee, I thought I wouldn’t be able to do anything but football was the one that helped me gain confidence,” said Cuestas. “Every time I play, I get happy. I also get excited whenever we have a tournament or even if we have practice.”
This is one of the reasons why she wants other members of the PWD community to also play football because according to Cuestas, “through this, we can cope with the stress of why we became like this.”
Cuestas, who is also the amputee soccer Philippines ambassadress, is planning to form an all female amputee football team.
Both Lao and Cuestas see a great future for the team. Lao said that with the commitment, eagerness and passion of the team members, he can see a bright future ahead of them.
The 25-year-old coach admits there are still a lot of things they need to learn as a team—both inside and outside the pitch--but with the attitude the current players are showing, he knows they can overcome the challenges.
Lao and Cuestas said they will be participating in more football events in Cebu, and both are eyeing to become a national team that will compete internationally and will bring honor to the country.
“Our ultimate goal is to form a Philippine team that can compete for the World Cup in 2020,” said Cuestas.
Cuestas is encouraging others to join their team and assured them that there is nothing to be afraid of since there are people who are willing to train them.
Lao added that they will try to change the mindset of some PWDs and prove that disabilities are not a hindrance to one’s greatness.