Jr booters to train with FC Barcelona

MANILA, Philippines - Lionel Messi-wannabes from the Philippines will get the chance to train where their FC Barcelona idol trains and plays – Camp Nou – in Milo Philippines’ “Road to Barcelona” program in partnership with the multi-titled Spanish club.

Under the program, Milo Philippines will send a team of 10 footballers aged 10-12 to Barca’s home stadium in October for the Milo-FCB camp.

Over four days, they will attend the Escola football clinic, Camp Nou classroom sessions and museum visit, city tour and interaction with FC Barcelona coaches and possibly Messi himself, as well as teams from other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Colombia.

A local selection camp will first be held on Sept. 2-3 at McKinley Hill Stadium, where a panel composed of executives from Milo Philippines, the Philippine Football Federation, Ignite Sports Group, and visiting FC Barcelona coaches will screen the Phl delegation to Barcelona.

The program kicks off the four-year global partnership between FCB and Milo and is aimed at enhancing the quality of life of children by getting them into sports like football, according to Milo Philippines business unit manager Willy de Ocampo.

“By linking with FC Barcelona, Milo looks to provide children with world-class access to coaches and venues and hopefully inspire them not only to be football players but to lead a healthy lifestyle and get themselves into sports,” de Ocampo said during yesterday’s press launch.