A 10-year-old Cebuano football player had a once-in-a-lifetime experience of attending special training sessions with FC Barcelona legend Eric Abidal and other top club players.

Ethan Jacob Roxas of Paref Springdale was among a group of 55 young international players from different countries, including Australia, Colombia, Jamaica, New Zealand, Tahiti, Thailand, Singapore, and Panama that was part of the MILO FCB Road to Barcelona.

The program culminated in a 9-day journey of extraordinary football opportunities, multicultural camaraderie, and unforgettable memories for the very first Philippine delegation.

MILO FCB Road to Barcelona
INCOMPARABLE EXPERIENCE. Ethan Roxas ((left) with FC Barcelona legend Eric Abidal, who headed an exclusive training session which the Philippine team joined.

Making friends

Roxas said he made friends with kids his age from all around the world—which is what he considers to be the ultimate highlight of his trip to Spain.

“Making friends with other young football players from different countries gave me different perspectives about the sport. What I learned from them helped me become not only a better player, but also a better person altogether,” Roxas said.

He has been playing football since he was 4 and loves the game because it allows him to learn how to work together with other kids. When asked what advice he can give to other young Cebuano players who are interested to try out for next year’s MILO FCB Training Camp, he said, “There are three things to keep in mind: be yourself, don’t feel pressured, and most importantly, enjoy the whole experience.”

MILO FCB Road to Barcelona
PARTNERS IN BUILDING CHAMPIONS. The MILO FCB Philippine delegation headlined the launch year of the four-year global partnership.

Football community growing

His father, transplant surgeon Alvin Roxas said, “Sports is important for children to learn life values. It instills discipline and allows them to learn how to relate with other kids. This is why Ethan has our full support. We see his passion and want nothing else but to see him thrive and succeed in his football journey.”

“The football community is growing in leaps and bounds. Now, nearly every school in Cebu has a football team. I encourage all parents to get their kids into sports by finding a good team and coach that will harness their talents,” Dr. Roxas said.

MILO FCB Road to Barcelona

MILO Sports programs, including Road to Barcelona, offer kids a chance to showcase their athletic excellence, determination and drive in the national arena, and give them the opportunity to enhance their talents further in the international stage. (Press Release)

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