This past weekend, teams representing Dream Big Pilipinas FA had the opportunity to engage in the quarterfinals of Neymar Jr’s Five– the globally renowned street soccer tournament, also known as Futsal.
Founded by Bermundo and a group of friends in 2009, Dream Big Pilipinas is a registered, non-profit organization that works directly with street football communities comprised of underprivileged. By providing these children with the chance to learn football, Dream Big Pilipinas hopes to inspire their students to attain their education and provide themselves with an opportunity to uplift themselves through sports.
“It’s very hard to find accessible football fields, these are mostly limited to private schools”, says co-founder Mark Bermundo. “So the regularity of play for kids in underserved communities is really lacking. However, basketball courts are easily convertible into Futsal courts. Our success in developing kids at a young age is Futsal since it gives them exponential development at a high pace, so we are able to keep up with teams that play in a larger field.”
Three teams from Dream Big Pilipinas played the quarterfinal rounds of the Neymar Jr’s Five, showing their skills and confidence in a tournament comprised of international and professional-level players. These kids are now scholars in college and currently training younger players in the program.
“The kids had a lot of fun”, shares Miguel Bermundo. “It’s rare that they are able to compete at that able to play at that level and compete with their idols. Neymar brought together college and professional and international players and it was a nice way for them to make friends with people they admire.”
The ground behind Dream Big Pilipinas looks at maintaining education as their main priority, but give allowances towards talented players by exposing them to opportunities such as Neymar Jr’s Five.
Bermundo anticipates next year’s Neymar Jr’s Five, commenting, “With the success of the Neymar Jr’s Five, it shows the large potential and interest of Futsal. It is very sustainable and if Futsal can be sustained at a grassroots, barangay level, football can be a large sport celebrated by the whole country.”
The finals for Neymar Jr’s Five takes place this Saturday, March 4th, at SPARTA Philippines. Eight teams such as Laro, Naxional, and Baggie FC will square off for their chance to make it to the finals in Neymar Jr’s home turf.