The Coca-Cola Football Festival gathered over 240
teams, or over 3,600 players, to play on 22 football fields simultaneously to
go for the gold. This year's champions included DBosco Garelli, De La
Salle Zobel, Makati FC/Elite, La Salle GH, Makati FS, ABC Stars Naga, Claret
FC, Makati FC, and Filipinas Dragons.
In its ongoing commitment to promote active, healthy living, Coca-Cola
Philippines recently kicked-off the fourth season of the Coca-Cola Football
Festival at the Alabang Country Club last May 3-4.
The league gathered 240 teams or
over 3,600 players from all over the country to vie for championships in 11
different age categories. Coca-Cola Football Festival was played on 22 football
fields simultaneously and followed a 7A Side Football Format wherein each team
is limited to 7 players. Only one team per club or school per division is
allowed to join the cup.
“We are very happy with the
response that the Coca-Cola Football Festival received in the previous seasons.
Last year, we had about 2,700 players joining us on these fields and now we’re
at the 3,600 mark. This proves the growing interest of Filipinos in
football and it is something Coca-Cola Philippines would like to invest on so
that in the long run, we could enjoin more people to take on more active,
healthy lifestyles through sports,” said Guillermo Aponte, President and
General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.
In 2013, teams such as the Green
Barons, Miriam College, Xavier Football Club, Roxas Wildcats Football Club,
Masbate Football Club, Makati Football Club, De La Salle University, FC Sikat,
De La Salle Zobel, Makati FC Elite, and Makati Football School took home the
championship trophies in various categories.
The teams who emerged as champions
for 2014 were DBosco Garelli (Men’s Open), De La Salle Zobel (Ladies Open),
Makati FC/Elite (Boys 10), La Salle GH (Boys 8), Makati FS (Players 6), ABC
Stars Naga (Girls 14), Claret FC (Boys 16), Makati FC (Girls 16), Filipinas
Dragons (Boys 14), Claret FC (Boys 12), and ABC Stars Naga City (Girls 12).
“Coca-Cola believes that physical
activity is requisite to being healthy. Understanding what energy balance
is—that is calories in, calories out—means knowing that the calories we take
in, whether from a slice of cake or a bottle of Coca-Cola, we should also be
able to expend. That is the core of our overall program on wellbeing,” added
Aponte.
The commitment of Coca-Cola
Philippines towards the promotion of wellbeing is hinged on a global
sustainability framework, which also involves women’s economic empowerment and
environmental protection.
Globally, the Company supports
over 280 active healthy living programs in 115 countries, helping individuals
make informed choices on food consumption, proper hydration, and the benefits
of engaging in different forms of physical activity. Among those done locally
are the Coca-Cola Football Festival, the Red Cross Million Volunteer Run, and
ongoing Coca-Cola PBA Youngstars.
“Through our different programs
and initiatives, we try to contribute in providing workable solutions to the
current issues of today. That is our commitment as a Company. At the same
time, we also help educate and promote that regular exercise, paired with a
sensible, balanced diet is a step closer to having an active, healthy
lifestyle,” Aponte added.
The Coca-Cola Football Festival is
a collaborative effort between Coca-Cola Philippines, Powerade, Makati Football
Club, Alabang Football School, Alabang Country Club, and the NCR Football
Association.
Internationally, the Coca-Cola Company also has a long-standing
relationship with FIFA since 1974, and has been an official sponsor of the FIFA
World Cup since 1978. Through the Company’s ‘World’s Cup Campaign’, it invites
the world to celebrate football as a force for social good.