MANILA, Philippines – Three hundred underprivileged children received the rare opportunity to learn football the Real Madrid way over the weekend during the two-day YKK Asia Group Kids Football Clinic at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City.

Children from Gawad Kalinga communities also participated in clinics on Saturday, followed by children from lakeshore communities in Batangas on Sunday morning.

Homeless children who live and sleep on streets and places like Luneta and the Caloocan Monumento, who are cared for by Child Hope Asia Philippines, had their own football experience on Sunday afternoon.

Two kids from the previously war-torn city of Marawi were among those who experienced world-class football training from Real Madrid coaches.

Mohammed Faried Anganto and Alintor Bangote were brought by their coach, Espiridion Paran, under the auspices of Gawad Kalinga.

"Football was one way for the kids to cope and transcend the experience of the past," said the coach. "It was special for them to experience the YKK Football Clinic conducted by Real Madrid coaches because they learned new skills and trained with professional football gear."

"They're used to playing with makeshift equipment, using tennis balls and playing barefoot," Paran revealed.

Agustin Villarama, the AVP for Marketing of YKK Philippines, was delighted with the outcome of the clinics, which marks the second time that YKK Asia Holdings Pte Ltd and YKK Philippines have brought Real Madrid Foundation coaches to the country to teach football to underprivileged kids.

"After two days of clinics, we are happy to see that the kids are happy," he said. "We can see that these camps will produce positive effects for them in the future."

"Sports is a good tool to give a chance for these less fortunate kids," he added.

Coaching the clinics were Real Madrid Foundation's Pablo Gomez Revenga, Santiago Sanchez Martin and Hector Vicente. They were assisted by 30 local coaches who shared and demonstrated world-class methodologies and techniques throughout the sessions.

The Real Madrid Foundation coaches also promoted values through sports and education, teaching the children about commitment, responsibility and teamwork, all while having fun.

"The coaches were very passionate about the country and about the kids that they taught football to. They also enjoyed themselves throughout. That's how much they love football," said Villarama.

All participants in the kids' clinic received a full set of YKK/Real Madrid Foundation football kits, which include football boots, cap and socks. Everyone received a certificate at the end of the session.

The Most Valuable Participants in the morning and afternoon sessions received Real Madrid t-shirts and bags.

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