Coca-Cola Philippines continues its commitment in harnessing local football talents through various initiatives in the grassroots level following its all-out support to the Filipinas during the FIFA Women’s World Cup last July.

The beverage giant organized a football exhibition on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Tuloy Foundation Inc. in Muntinlupa with four club teams seeing action in the friendly encounter.

“One of our many ways to support women is by helping advance women's empowerment in sports. With that, the Coca-Cola Company sponsors the FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the Philippines, we partnered with the Philippine Football Federation, to support the Women’s League 2023, to foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and to create an enabling environment for Filipina athletes,” said Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario, who was also present during the exhibition match.

“Through the PFF, we also collaborated with community-based football clubs with all-women teams, providing meaningful support to the next generation of Filipina football players. We are glad to share that this partnership has helped equip 81 young women aged 13 to 23 from the four football clubs here with us.”

A total of 81 young women aged 13 to 23, who displayed their talent in the friendly games, were provided free uniforms, gear, equipment and other logistical support by the Coca-Cola company to turn its efforts into an opportunity.

Two aspiring Filipinas players were nothing short of grateful for having an opportunity to improve their skills and expose themselves to new challenges as they work their way through a dream spot in the national team.

Gawad Kalinga midfielder Lizzie Torre was among the young girls who participated in the friendly matches, never lacking in effort and missing any practice as she plays for two club teams while attending regular schooling.

“Masaya and exciting [to be part of this]. Kasi may [bagong] nakikilala na makakalaban at nacha-challenge ako. Sobrang laking tulong ng mga opportunities na ganito. Walang araw na hindi ako nagt-training. Sa araw-araw kong pagt-training, nakikita ko na ‘yung sarili ko na dito na ‘yung passion at career na gusto ko [i-pursue]. Baka dito rin ako umunlad,” Torre told Manila Bulletin.

At the tender age of 16, Torre is also part of the Kaya Women’s team, which is currently on top of the PFF Women’s League after claiming its maiden title last month.

With enough experience to go with her dedication, Torre is expecting to see herself at the biggest football showpiece which was once just a far-flung dream for the Philippines, even more so, on the women’s side.

Likewise, Inspire Raya’s Gwen Estrada has nothing on her mind but to someday make it to the top of local and eventually international football representing the Nationals.

The 18-year-old Cebuana moved to Manila and has been living on her own after being scouted back in the province originally playing Futsal.

Estrada had separate stints in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy last year before enrolling in Far Eastern University. She, however, is still seeking for a deserved spot in the school’s football roster and suit up in the UAAP.

“Hindi lahat ng players nakakakuha ng ganitong opportunity. Isa rin sa magandang bagay para sa akin kasi exposure ‘yun and experience to meet and [play] with new people. Thankful ako,” Estrada said.

Just as the rise of Philippine women’s football comes, Estrada’s hopes and dreams are soaring with it.

“[Before I wanted to] play football para magkaroon ng medal. At first, ‘yun lang ‘yung mindset ko. Pero through the years, [I realized] na parang gusto ko maglaro sa UAAP at [eventually] maging part ng national team. Parang nagle-level up na ‘yung goals ko,” she said.

“Sobrang saya ko nung nalaman ko na nag-qualify ‘yung women’s team sa FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nakakaiyak kasi as a woman, we can do better. We can step to that level. So may chance talaga na maybe next time [makaabot] na ‘yung team sa semifinals [or even] championship.”

The Tuloy FC won the whole exhibition after also besting Tondo Foundation along with Inspire and Gawad Kalinga.