Coca-Cola marks fourth season of Football Festival in bid to promote physical activity, healthy living

Post-event release. I first covered the event last year.

 

Manila, Philippines (3 May 2014) – 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.

 

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.