Project SMYC: Igniting Champions in Smokey Mountain

On May 23, 2025, JCI Manila officially handed over the newly renovated Smokey Mountain Youth Center (SMYC) to the community of Barangay 128, Tondo. The renovated multi-purpose court in the area now offers a secure and encouraging environment for young people to play basketball, futsal, and volleyball. The project reflects a strong partnership between local government, sponsors, and community members, aimed at nurturing young athletes and fostering sportsmanship in one of Manila’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Comprehensive Renovation of the Facility

The transformation of the Smokey Mountain Youth Center was a comprehensive effort that went beyond simple repairs. The entire court was repainted with vibrant, eye-catching colors, including the basketball ring and facility walls, breathing new life into the space. This visual upgrade was designed not only to beautify the center but also to instill a sense of pride and ownership among the youth who frequent the facility. A well-maintained and colorful environment can inspire motivation and positivity, which are crucial for young athletes striving to improve their skills.

Beyond aesthetics, the center’s renovation included an upgraded comfort room, addressing prior issues of inadequacy and poor hygiene to provide a clean, accessible, and safe facility essential for athletes and visitors’ well-being, allowing them to focus on training without basic comfort concerns. The project also involved repairing and reinforcing the court surface, significantly improving safety during play and enabling athletes to perform optimally by minimizing injury risks. 

These combined enhancements have transformed SMYC into a welcoming and functional sports hub that effectively supports the physical and emotional needs of its users. This comprehensive approach ensures a positive and conducive environment for the youth to engage in sports. Ultimately, these improvements contribute significantly to the overall success and impact of Project SMYC.

Donation of Futsal Goalposts and Multi-Sport Functionality

A significant improvement to the Smokey Mountain Youth Center was the donation of futsal goalposts, crucially expanding the facility’s ability to host various sports. Futsal’s rising popularity in the Philippines, particularly among youth with limited access to large fields, makes this addition especially valuable as the center now offers regulation-sized goalposts for proper training and matches. This complements the existing basketball and volleyball areas, establishing SMYC as a versatile multi-sport venue that encourages greater youth participation in diverse physical activities, irrespective of their interests or abilities. 

This inclusive strategy broadens avenues for exercise, teamwork, and personal growth while also maximizing the use of limited space in the densely populated Barangay 128. The center boosts community involvement and promotes an active lifestyle by accommodating different sports. This allows young athletes to explore various disciplines and potentially unlock new opportunities.

Installation of Solar Lights for Night Training

The installation of solar-powered lighting is a key sustainable upgrade at the Smokey Mountain Youth Center, addressing the challenge of limited daylight for training due to the responsibilities of the youth. This allows athletes to practice safely after sunset. Utilizing solar energy supports environmentally responsible development by reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering operational costs, ensuring consistent accessibility. 

Extended training hours empower young athletes to improve their skills and fitness. Additionally, the well-lit area enhances community safety and encourages more residents to utilize the space for recreation and socialization, demonstrating a balance of practicality, sustainability, and community well-being.

Exhibition Futsal Match Celebrating Community and Sportsmanship

The turnover ceremony featured an energetic exhibition futsal match between JCI Manila and the Smokey Mountain Football Club, celebrating community spirit and a shared love for the sport. The participation of two SMFC alumni, who went on to represent the Philippine National Futsal Team and play at the Philippine Women’s University, underscores the center’s importance in developing local athletes.

Their success served as a powerful inspiration for younger athletes, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations with commitment. This friendly competition also strengthened the relationships between JCI Manila volunteers and community members, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the center’s renovation. Ultimately, the exhibition match symbolized hope and progress for Barangay 128, leaving a lasting positive impression.

Building on the Success of the February Football Clinic

Project SMYC’s success stems from a two-week intensive football clinic in February 2025, which offered young athletes expert coaching and emphasized technical skills alongside character development, including discipline and teamwork. The renovated youth center now provides a permanent space for the continuation and expansion of such clinics, crucial for sustaining progress and cultivating future athletes while improving the community’s sports environment. 

This football clinic underscored the value of community participation and volunteer efforts, with coaches, JCI Manila members, and local leaders collaborating to foster a supportive learning atmosphere. This collaborative ethos is essential to the center’s ongoing positive influence on youth development.

Key Takeaway

Project SMYC is a shining example of how collaboration between organizations, sponsors, and local communities can transform lives through sports. By providing a safe, multi-functional, and sustainably equipped facility, the initiative empowers the youth of Barangay 128 to pursue their dreams and develop their talents. It fosters inclusivity, resilience, and pride, creating a lasting foundation for champions both on and off the court. This project is a true testament to the power of sports as a catalyst for positive change.

Share: