Project diary: The Ball reaches the Philippines on its way to Auckland

The Ball — football’s equivalent to the Olympic Torch — has been touring the Philippines as it continues its journey to Auckland, in time for the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on July 20.

The project — which aims to raise awareness of climate change and gender equality — has travelled through Vietnam and Cambodia during March, and has been visiting Thailand and the Philippines in April.

Main photo: The Ball has brought together you football fans in the Philippines.

New Zealand activities

The Ball’s project team will be in New Zealand for a month and are keen to hear from groups, clubs or organisations who would be interested in hosting an event.

Click here to make contact with the project team >>>>

Here’s the project team’s diary for their latest travels …

The Philippines

The project’s indigenous people’s ambassador for the Philippines, Valaree, signs The Ball.

Having arrived in the Philippines from Thailand, the project team have been busy with events and meeting supporters of the project.

Two members of the Philippines national women’s team, and team captains of university clubs, signed pledges of support.

Project partner Gawad Kalinga hosted a workshop with the Spirit of Football team in Manila on April 17-18.

The Ball was then taken to Baguio City for a meeting with mayor Benjamin B. Magalong and to conduct a workshop with the Barrio Football Club.

The Ball then travels to the Cordillera Region to meet with the Kankanaey Indigenous People as organized by the Hapiyomi Cultural Group.

In the last week of April, The Ball makes its way to the Central Visayas and the project team conducts a workshop with JCI in the island of Bohol.

It then arrives in Cebu City to visit various communities.

The Ball

As The Ball travels around the world, it gathers signatures of individuals who pledge support to advance gender equality and climate action.

Since 2002, more than 56,000 people in 56 countries have signed The Ball.

From 2022 to 2023, 57 partner organizations have organized more than 30 events and workshops that have encouraged action on climate change and gender equality amongst football enthusiasts.

Where it all started

Katie Rood gets the project underway at London’s Battersea Park.

The first person to sign The Ball on its 12-month global climate action and advocacy mission was Football Fern Katie Rood, who plays for Hearts in Scotland, and who kicked off The Ball’s journey in London.

“Everyone loves the World Cup, but if we are to be able to continue playing it in the future, we need collective and urgent climate action. The journey of The Ball across land and sea from London to New Zealand is an opportunity for football to get its environmental act in order. I am going to take action. Are you?”

Spirit of Football’s Ambassador and Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp is also supporting The Ball: “It is a ball for us all. Be part of our team. Everyone can play. Respect your teammates, your opponents and the environment. One Ball, One World.”

How you can help

Do you want to be involved in the project? Follow The Ball’s journey and make your own pledge.

Find out more about the non-profit organization Spirit of Football here >>>

Learn more

READ MORE: Our past stories about The Ball >>>>

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