The Smokey Mountain Football Clinic 2025, a flagship initiative of JCI Manila in partnership with Barnsley FC (UK), stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young athletes in Manila. The clinic not only hones athletic skills but also shapes the lives of its participants, offering pathways to education and personal growth by fusing […]
The Smokey Mountain Football Clinic 2025, a flagship initiative of JCI Manila in partnership with Barnsley FC (UK), stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young athletes in Manila. The clinic not only hones athletic skills but also shapes the lives of its participants, offering pathways to education and personal growth by fusing international football standards with a deep commitment to community empowerment.
JCI Manila, a chapter of Junior Chamber International, has a storied history of fostering leadership and civic engagement among Filipino youth. With over 580 members, the organization has consistently championed projects that uplift communities, focusing on education, sports, and social integration. Under dynamic leadership, JCI Manila has expanded its reach, supporting underprivileged sectors and promoting youth development through innovative programs.
In recent years, JCI Manila has emphasized sports as a tool for holistic youth development. Beyond mainstream athletics, the organization has invested in underappreciated sports, such as baseball, skateboarding, and football, recognizing their potential to instill discipline, teamwork, and resilience. This goal is demonstrated by the Smokey Mountain Football Clinic, which offers mentorship and organized instruction to kids from underprivileged neighborhoods.
The Smokey Mountain Football Clinic’s first leg was formally opened at Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School in Sampaloc, Manila, on February 13, 2025. The event, attended by JCI Manila President Adrian Padiemos and Coach Gino Regino of Smokey Mountain FC, marked the beginning of a three-day intensive training for young athletes from Barangay 128.
The clinic featured a UK-style football curriculum developed by Barnsley FC, a club renowned for its youth academy and educational programs. Senior players from Smokey Mountain FC took on leadership roles as team captains and coaches, fostering a culture of mentorship and peer learning.
Barnsley FC’s involvement brought a new dimension to the clinic. The club’s expertise in youth development, evidenced by its Shadow Scholarship program in the UK, ensured that participants received top-tier training and holistic support. Barnsley FC’s approach integrates daily professional-level training with educational opportunities, emphasizing both athletic and academic excellence.
The experience of Smokey Mountain FC alumnus Sandy Saldaña is an excellent example of the clinic’s influence. Now a graduating BS IT student at Philippine Women’s University on a full athletic scholarship and a member of the Philippine Futsal Team, Sandy embodies the transformative potential of sports. His return to the clinic as a mentor for Leg 2 highlights the program’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and role models.
Recognizing the importance of proper equipment, the SMFC Committee distributed 30 new pairs of Adidas football shoes to participants. This gesture not only addressed a practical need but also reinforced the message that every child deserves the tools to pursue their dreams. The clinic’s success is also a testament to the dedication of Project Chairman Jib Geonzon and the entire organizing team, who continue to uphold JCI Manila’s legacy of empowering youth through sports.
The program is more than just a sports camp; it is a gateway to educational and life-changing opportunities. It demonstrates how sports can serve as a bridge to higher education and career advancement by producing international competitors and full-scholarship athletes.
JCI Manila’s sports initiatives extend beyond athletic training. Projects like the Color Run for Education and classroom rehabilitation efforts illustrate the organization’s holistic approach to community development. JCI Manila creates environments where young people can thrive both on and off the field by integrating sports with education and social support.
The clinic’s structure, which empowers senior players to mentor younger participants, builds a strong sense of community and responsibility. Alumni like Sandy Saldaña serve as living proof of what is possible, inspiring the next generation to aim higher and persevere despite challenges.
With Leg 1 successfully completed, anticipation is high for the next phases of the Smokey Mountain Football Clinic. The continued partnership with Barnsley FC and the involvement of program alumni promise to expand the clinic’s reach and deepen its impact.
The Smokey Mountain Football Clinic stands as a model for how sports, education, and community engagement can intersect to create lasting change. JCI Manila and its partners are building a brighter future for Filipino youth by investing in young athletes, providing them with world-class training, and supporting their educational aspirations.
The Smokey Mountain Football Clinic 2025 is more than an event—it is a movement that harnesses the power of sports to transform lives, uplift communities, and inspire a new generation of leaders. Through the dedication of JCI Manila, the expertise of Barnsley FC, and the resilience of its participants, the clinic continues to set new standards in youth development and empowerment.
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