PH-Payatas misses podium in Street Child World Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines-Payatas team may have missed out on a podium finish in the 2018 Street Child World Cup in Moscow, Russia on Wednesday, May 16, but still emerged as winners off the field.

The team – an all-girls football squad composed mostly of players from Payatas, Quezon City – ended its campaign after absorbing a 0-2 loss to England in the battle for bronze.

But the Payatas players, perhaps, got a bigger prize as the Kulczyk Foundation offered them university scholarships once they return to the country. 

“When they’re giving their best, the result is good. No regrets,” said Payatas coach Ronalyn Lagata, who also played for Team Philippines in the 2014 Street Child World Cup.

After topping Group C in the eliminations, the Payatas team downed Mauritius in the quarterfinals (1-0) but bowed to Brazil (0-1) in the semifinal round.

“We’re really proud of this group,” said team manager Roy Moore. “From day one we talked about enjoying and learning from each moment. The girls had a great training camp, and became good friends.” – Rappler.com