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Morgan’s Diary – February 15, 2018
Morgan’s Diary – February 15, 2018
What a day! This morning I woke up at Cherrielyn’s house (girl player on the Razkal team). I slept there with five other girl football players. I started the day by doing my last two home visits. It felt good to accomplish this, as each house I’ve visited has given me a better insight into who each player on the team is.
In the afternoon I held my last workshop for the grade 12 school students at Mohon Divino Amore National High school. I first spoke about gender equality and then about self- awareness. The room was packed with around 50 students. I was very proud and happy to see many of the students step up in front of their peers and speak about fears and themselves.
The whole Razkal team club had a surprise going away party for me. They tricked me into thinking the girls had a practice, but instead blindfolded me and took me to the church where everyone was waiting for us. I was so surprised, happy and a little sad to see everyone as tonight is my last night.
My time here in the Philippines has been one of the best experiences of my life. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the girls, but I’ve come to love each and everyone of them. They’re now like sisters to me. Before coming I already had the idea that they were a hard working and determined team. After being with them, seeing them play, watching their games and spending quality time together, I’ve come to learn that they are like one big family. Each one has each other’s back. They all stick up for one another and look out for each other.
I’ve never experienced this type of unity before between people that are not blood related. Their resilience and ability to strive even when they have hardships and difficulties is inspiring.
I would like to thank coach Ronan and coach Rhosner for all of your hard work and dedication to the teams. Without you the Razkals wouldn’t exist. Thank you to all of the parents of the players who kept me safe, assisted me in so many home visits, organized and helped with transportation. You’re truly a great support system for the players.
I’d like to also extend a huge thank to everyone in Sweden who helped and donated football items to us for the players. While here we were able to give futsal balls and two pairs of futsal shoes to two deserving girls on the team. Everyone in the Razkals club was so thankful and grateful for the items and our support to them. So many of the girls have come up to me and said thank you. It felt great to be able to hold three workshops, two for the football girls and one for the grade 12 students at the high school. I made home visits to almost every girl that is in the Razkals club, and spoke one on one concerning each girl’s struggles and difficulties.
It’s been an amazing trip and I’ve met so many kind, loving and generous people. As much as I thought I’d teach the girls valuable lessons, they’ve in turn taught me more than I could ever have expected. I will be leaving Cebu with a full heart, new friends, new mammas, new sisters, and a new outlook on what it means to be a family. 
Morgan Young
Lööf Foundation representative
