At FundLife, we are dedicated to creating opportunities that empower young people to become leaders and change-makers in their communities. From October 24 to 26, 2024, we had the privilege of hosting a two-day Young Leaders Training on WASH Curriculum followed by a Water Heroes Community Football Festival to culminate the event. This dynamic program, held at the Generation Amazing Community Club (GACC) in Northern Tacloban City, aimed to provide young leaders - local youth mentors, teachers, community leaders, and city representatives - with valuable skills in football coaching and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education.
The first two days of the event were dedicated to intensive training for the thirty-one (31) young leaders. These individuals took part in a curriculum that focused on both practical football coaching and the integration of the WASH principles. The training was led by Coach Alex Kastoriadis (Melbourne City), Coach Shaun Burrows (Manchester City), and Mr. Jerome Montes Global Program Manager for Youth Engagement from Xylem, a partner organization committed to promoting water sustainability.
On the first day, participants learned how to plan and execute football training sessions. The focus was on adaptability, session planning, and understanding the critical components of successful coaching, including STEP (Space, Time/Task, Equipment, and People). Coaches emphasized the importance of being flexible with session plans and adjusting activities based on the resources available and the needs of the participants. The day also highlighted the significance of recognizing and addressing various types of abuse, helping leaders foster safe and supportive environments for youth.
The second day delved deeper into the practical aspects of coaching and event execution. Participants were introduced to Xylem’s orientation, which included how to apply WASH principles and integrate them into football coaching. The young leaders also had the opportunity to execute their session plans from the previous day, receiving constructive feedback on their strategies and delivery. Additionally, the group focused on event planning, preparing for the culmination of the training—a community football festival that would put their newly acquired skills into action.
On Day 3, the training came full circle with the Water Heroes Community Football Festival. This half-day event brought together the 31 young leaders to celebrate the culmination of the training and their hard work. The festival was not just a football event but also an opportunity for young leaders to apply their coaching skills and knowledge in a real-world setting with thirty (30) youth participants from FundLife’s partner schools. During the festival, session plans were implemented, with the young leaders taking on the roles of coaches and mentors. The event was a celebration of teamwork, skill-building, and the power of play, with the community coming together to support and encourage the youth participants.
The day also included a small ceremony to honor the dedication and hard work of the young leaders. Coach John Rex Aquin - FundLife’s focal person and teacher at Sagkahan National High School, expressed gratitude on behalf of the participants, to Coach Shaun and Alex for their invaluable contributions throughout the training program. Their mentorship and expertise had made a lasting impact on the young leaders which inspired them to carry forward the lessons they had learned into their schools and communities.
The true measure of the success of this training and festival lies in the personal stories of those who participated. Ms. Lanie Villamor, a teacher and young leader from Antonio Balmes National High School, shared her experience of how the training shifted her perspective as a coach, “This 3-day training helped me a lot. In my first year of coaching, I didn’t consider myself competent enough. By attending this training, my perspective changed and it inspires me to help my students and instill in them confidence that they can win.”
These words echo the essence of the training: the importance of purpose-driven leadership and coaching that goes beyond just the sport to positively influence young lives.
By empowering young leaders with coaching skills and WASH education, FundLife is helping create a ripple effect of positive change in the community. These young leaders are now better equipped to inspire others, educate about the importance of water and sanitation, and create safe spaces for youth to grow, learn, and play.
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