MANILA – Philippines national football team and Ceres-Negros FC captain Stephan Schröck will still be involved in the beautiful game even if he decides to hang his boots soon.
Schröck said during an E-Sports International podcast that he plans to give back after his career is over by helping Filipino youth find new perspectives through football.
“Every day is a learning experience and an opportunity to give back to the community,” said the Filipino-German midfielder, a two-time Mr. Football awardee of the Philippine Sportswriters Association.
He added: “I want to help kids become very good at something; not just football. I want to help them be good in school and in life because football is only three hours of your day. The other 21 hours are about life. There is more to life than just football.”
Schröck already shared his vision by opening a football academy – one that will provide opportunities for aspiring footballers outside of Metro Manila.
“The Philippines is full of talented athletes. If the government would only help support those players, the results would be unbelievable. The Filipino athletes have so much potential. Hopefully I can help them achieve their dreams,” said Schröck.
For the 33-year-old, football gave him the life he has today, and he believes the future may likely lead him teaching his beloved sport to less unfortunate children.
“Many Filipino children are breadwinners of their families, and they often earn salaries of P18,000 to P30,000. But if you can play football, it can be a viable source of income,” said Schröck.
‘I am not the tallest, the fastest or the most skillful football player you’ve ever seen. I’m definitely not. But if you are willing to put in the hard work and make sacrifices, you will make it very far in this sport,” he added./PN
