The Philippines places second in the Street Child World Cup

What an incredible result this is. Last April 7, the Philippine girls' football team achieved a second place finish in the Street Child World Cup held in Brazil. Congratulations team!

OFFICIAL RESULT: @SCWC2014 girls final Brazil 1-0 Philippines Gutted. But so proud of the girls. pic.twitter.com/nkqWgi1cox
— Roy Moore (@roymondous) April 6, 2014

This story is truly inspirational on so many levels. First, let's talk about the event itself and how amazing it is. Street children from all parts of the world get to experience competing in a sporting event that will allow them to develop teamwork and camaraderie while being able to travel to another country. This will surely be a life-changing experience for all of them and it will provide opportunities to its participants that can help them all have a better future.

Then of course there is the team's success. Reaching the finals of the Street Child World Cup is no small feat for a nation that has had little football success on a global scale. The girls easily beat their first three opponents - South Africa (9-0!), El Salvador (3-1), and England (6-0) before getting past Mozambique in the semifinals. That the team lost in the finals to to Brazil, a country that is arguably the most successful footballing nation in the world, by the smallest of margins (1-0) in a match that could have gone either way just goes to show how superb they are.

This impressive result has to be attributed in large part to Coach Roy Moore. This Englishman who currently lives in the Philippines (he is taking up political science in UP) is Executive Director of Fairplay for All Foundation. As part of this role and his desire to make a difference, Roy set up football teams in Payatas and Kasiglahan. I can't help but be inspired to see someone from another country be so immersed in trying to improve the lives of the underprivileged here. (Here's an 80-minute interview with Roy Moore on youtube where you can learn more about how he ended up in the Philippines.)

While Pacquiao's win over Bradley will be the top sporting result in April for most Filipinos, my vote goes to the Philippines' success in the Street Child World Cup. While the boys didn't do as well as the girls (they lost in the quarterfinals), this is just one of those events where no one is really a loser. Thank you to Roy Moore and Fairplay for all and congratulations to our amazing girls and boys teams!