PAREF Westbridge joins Santa Barbara Invitational FootBall Festival 2012

 

 

Along with 13 other schools from different municipalities, Westbridge School for Boys, a PAREF school in Iloilo joined the 1st Santa Barbara Soccer Tournament last October 20-21. Call in time was at 7:30am but our little boys came early – too excited as it was their first.

 

Games were divided according to their age – under 8; under 10 and under 12. Players were further grouped into 3 teams for those below 8, 2 teams for below 10 and players below 12 played as one.

 

Soccer is a very important sport throughout the PAREF system, with our own football club. Students play at least twice a week aside from their PE classes and tournaments like these is just one of the extra-curricular activities that PAREF-Westbridge Iloilo takes part in. As the only-all boys school in Iloilo, physical activities thru sports is very important in nurturing our sons to be tough yet kind.

 

After the opening ceremony, our players stretched. Older kids did on their own

 

getting ready

 

of course, the younger ones were guided by one of our PAREF dads..

 

Santa Barbara Football Field

FYI, Ilonggos are known as soccer fanatics producing players for the Philippine Azkals. And among schools, PAREF-Westbridge is synonymous with soccer.

 

Let the games begin..

 

 

 

The soccer tournament was a great day for all of us. Not just cheering and capturing their moments in the field but a chance to practice our principle on home-school collaboration with sports.

 

A family affair for parents and siblings. Just going out in the field.

 

Soccer tournaments like these are beneficial for children- boys and girls alike. At this time when weekends means playing with computer and gadgets, it was an opportunity for all of us to go out and enjoy the real world.

 

But the best part of the games was to let our boys be socially aware. Take a look at this photo shot by one of our co-parents, Iryn Bonda-Palabrica

When a child realizes that having soccer shoes is a luxury for most kids, building sensitivity and appreciation to what he has. Beyond material things, seeing other children without soccer shoes, enjoying and winning the game even when barefoot teaches the idea of hard work and determination.

They may not be consciously aware but such events when they are exposed to other children will help them shape their attitude towards life and social responsibility. And that is the beauty of infiltrating sports in your child’s life.

The day ended with happy boys and proud parents suffering from soccer fever as manifested in our Facebook profile photos and albums.

Till our next soccer game!