Eleven year old Filipino striker Gabriel Aguilar was recently given a trial with Manchester United, according to the Manila Times.
As might be expected, the youngster was described as having a dream come true when he was recently given the opportunity to showcase his ability at the biggest club in the world.
From the Manila Times :
Young Filipino football player Gabriel Aguilar fulfilled his dream of playing with the big names of the sport after he attended a training camp with English club Manchester United FC.
The 11-year old striker of the Makati Football Club, the only Filipino invited to the camp, said that his experience training with a big club was a dream come true.
“It was exciting but it was also scary. They were really good,” the young booter said in an interview with The Manila Times a day after returned from the United Kingdom.
Aguilar said that the training camp was fun and tough.
“It was hard. We did back and forward juggling, sprint while dribbling, shoot long shots and other things,” he said.
Gabriel’s father, businessman Israel Aguilar recalled that he was skeptical with the invitation at first.
“Nagdadalawang-isip kami nung una kasi baka nga scam lang siya or something pero tinry na rin namin then pinadalhan siya ng invitation letter tapos naging okay na [We had to think twice when we first got the word about it but when we received the official invite we believe it],” the older Aguilar said.
The older Aguilar explained that they decided to let their son attend the camp despite the large expense that the trip requires.
“You have to follow the child’s dream. Dream n’ya makapaglaro internationally kaya tinuloy na namin [it’s his dream to play internationally so we decided to push through with it],” Israel added.
It’s all worth it because the young Aguilar emerged as the third best player from the over 200 participants in the camp. The young booter also revealed his dream of becoming an Azkal someday and represents the Philippines in international competitions. Aguilar stressed that he is 100 percent determined to be the next Phil Younghusband or the next Chieffy Caligdong of the national team.
The promising athlete also displayed his compassionate side and makes a plea for budding football players in areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda.
“Please support the kids who want to play football but do not have football shoes. I collect old football shoes for the kids affected by the storm Yolanda and give them to Mission Tacloban and RTR Foundation,” Aguilar concluded.
