Nine-year-old forms new club via Sutherland based club Gwawley Bay FC

The newly formed club was formed after nine-year-old John Warren was approached by Gwawley Bay FC Head Coach, Andrew Fletcher, on his recent trip to the island to visit his partner. Being the nephew of Fletcher?s girlfriend, the youngster didn?t hold back when asking for gifts from ?Down Under?, unwary the simple request would result in a new team being born.
?When John asked me for a shirt of any sort, the choice was easy. Manchester United was his favourite team, so he got that one as well as a Gwawley Bay FC shirt accompanied by a ball.?
?I had no idea this would lead to John creating his own team,? added Fletcher.
Fletcher actually suggested to John that he start his own team seeing as though he was very passionate about football. Heeding the advice, John set out in search of a squad. In just 72 hours he was able to recruit 12 players and form what is known as Gwawley Lebak FC who now plays for John?s local school, Salaman Central Elementary in Lebak, Mindanao.
Knowing they needed to help the dreams of young John and his team, Gwawley Bay FC pulled together and decided to assist by fitting out the team with old kits, balls, shin pads, bibs and donated boots. Gwawley Bay even agreed to pay freight for the second shipment destined for Lebak FC, who is looking to add a second team within the next few weeks.
?We [Gwawley Bay FC] simply wanted to help a group of children who love the game but find it hard to get the equipment to play,? said Fletcher.
Fletcher was quick to add that such initiatives are useful in promoting football around the world.
?Hopefully with help such as the one Gwawley Bay FC is giving John, the beautiful game can be promoted to different areas of the world not as passionate about football as Australia,? added Fletcher.
Thanks to the help of Gwawley Bay FC, John now has an operational team with proper uniform and equipment and the support of all the teaching staff, including the Principal at his school. The local community are even working together to collect timber and old fishing nets so Lebak FC can build goals for their new field. The team has found a new coach, Jojo Concha, who runs two sessions a week plus one on Sunday with a match on Saturdays, and according to Fletcher, the ?kids are loving it.?
?We are very happy and thankful for the help Gwawley Bay FC has given us [Lebak FC],? said John.
?We finally have a soccer team and this has made us feel more alive,? added the nine-year-old.

Gwawley Bay FC is asking for donations of second hand football boots and shin pads to send to Gwawley Lebak FC, with any other football gear or equipment being greatly received. With the supply of football gear scarce in the Philippines, Gwawley Bay FC believe John and his team should enjoy football the way millions of kids can across Australia every day.
To make a donation please contact Andrew Fletcher on 0415 576 711.
-By Caetano Lima