DINALUPIHAN, Bataan – Football has attracted many youngsters here and nearby towns with the number of trainees briskly increasing from one player a year ago to 80 presently, volunteer Coach Samuel Odunlami said Sunday.
The 36-year old coach, although born from a British father and a Malaysian mother, is popularly known as the “Nigerian” in Dinalupihan where he has been staying for one year and four months now.
Dinalupihan Mayor Joel Payumo said the Nigerian has volunteered to train youngsters in football that he readily approved. The municipality provides jerseys and shoes to poor trainees.
Trainings are done free during Saturdays and Sundays at the Dinalupihan Sports Oval in Barangay Kataasan.
Odunlami said the age of his trainees ranged from 10 to 16, some 17 and 21. These included some street children whom he found smoking and drinking but later persuaded them to train with him.
“They are good players now, they already quit their vices, and go to church every Sunday,” the coach said.
He added that the sports will drive children away from drugs.
The Nigerian urged “good Samaritans to help.” “Those who want to help, please support the youngsters especially the street children even in the form of merienda,” he said.
Christopher Jansen Bartolo, 17, the first trainee in Dinalupihan, said he was happy that many got into football.
“Masaya ako sa pagka’t bilang itinuturing na pioneer, nagging sikat ang football, hindi lamang basketball, saDinalupihan,” the student from the University of Sto. Tomas said.
He has played football in inter-department activities in UST.
