PETALING JAYA: IT was a once in a lifetime experience for some 100 underprivileged children who got to train with football players from Brazil at a coaching clinic held at the Astaka field here recently.
The football stars from the Joga Limpo Brazil team were in town for the Brazil Tour of Hope, where they play friendly matches and host coaching clinics. The players are visiting four Southeast Asian countries — Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The children, aged between 7 and 17, come from orphanages and low-income families.
Kelly Guimaraes, a football player, said the tour was an initiative to reach out to the community by sharing their knowledge about the sport through coaching clinics.
“Soccer is more than just a game. It teaches you how to become a better team player, how to gain self-control, and other skills that can be applied to our daily lives.
“The kids were funny and responsive. We had a great time coaching them,” said Guimaraes.
Another player, Johnson Macaba said it was important to create more opportunities like this for kids who aspire to become football players.
“Today, we presented an opportunity for them to show their skills and capabilities, while training with us. It’s important for them to be exposed to coaching clinics like this so they can learn more.
“They have the potential to become great football players if they work hard and keep on practising.
“Most of us did not come from a privileged background.
“However, football has helped changed our lives and we want these kids to know how this sport could help change theirs too,” said Johnson, who wanted to become a football player after watching Brazilian players in action on television.
Raymond Siva, 17, from Precious Children’s Home could not contain his excitement of having the opportunity to train with the Brazilian players.
“I learnt the correct way of passing a ball and how to attack my opponents.
“The players were patient and encouraged us to do our best
even when we made many mistakes.
“I hope to have this opportunity again.”
The Brazil Tour of Hope ends on Monday.