Real Madrid, YKK pay it forward through football
ONE of the most popular football clubs in the world, Real Madrid, and YKK Holding Asia PTE. Ltd. (YHA) and YKK Philippines recently joined forces to be of service to others by way of “The Beautiful Game.”
The groups staged at the weekend the YKK Asia Group Kids Football Clinic at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig where 300 underprivileged children learned football over two days of fun and interactive training sessions from Real Madrid Foundation- trained coaches who shared football tips, techniques and basic fundamentals with the young athletes.
The two-day clinic from June 23-24 was participated in by kids eight years old to 15 from three nongovernment organizations — Child Hope Asia, Gawad Kalinga and a community in Batangas — in sessions held in the morning and afternoon.
First held in the country in 2012, the second staging of the YKK football clinic, company officials said, remained in line with their corporate philosophy of the “Cycle of Goodness,” which states that “No one prospers without rendering benefit to others.”
“Our objective is to give the underprivileged the chance to be part of this football clinic. YKK’s presence in the Philippines dates back since 1978, and our growth and success during these 40 years owes a great deal to the local society which our customers and employees also form part of. It is a great opportunity and pleasure for us to give back and help create the initial spark of encouragement for children who do not normally experience big-name events due to its exclusivity. This time, it’s their turn to experience greatness,” said Tadashi Koshio, president of YKK Philippines, Inc., of the rationale behind the whole event. For the Philippine Football Federation ( PFF), the federation overseeing the sport in the country, the staging of the clinics was a good complement to what it is trying to achieve as far as the promotion and development of football here.
“We hope this clinic will develop more players and inspire others,” said PFF General Secretary Ed Gastanes, adding, “We are always pleased that the Real Madrid Foundation is bringing their style of play and style of coaching here. We are happy that YKK Asia Group and YKK Philippines have partnered with Real Madrid Foundation for another meaningful and significant clinic.”
During the two- day clinic, each participant received a full set of YKK/ Real Madrid Foundation football jersey kit which includes football boots, a cap, socks, and a certificate of participation.
Other sporting equipment such as footballs, sports bibs and training cones were also provided by YKK. Furthermore, YKK will donate all footballs and training equipment after the event to the invited NGO. —