More than just a team, members of the squad competing in the Deloitte Street Child World Cup now consider themselves “family,” thanks to the nurturing care and spiritual guidance of Fr. Rocky Evangelista, founder of the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Street Children Village.

“All of our boys and girls believe they are now part of one big football family. And we have to thank Fr. Rocky for that,” said co-manager Ed Formoso, of the footballers who will see action in the tournament set March 15 to 23 in Durban, South Africa.

The Tuloy Village in Alabang, Muntinlupa City is not only the training quarters of the RP booters prepping for the overseas soccerfest but also a haven where the team members “can look at life’s bigger picture, through Fr. Rocky’s example and timely reminders,” added Craig Burrows, co-manager of the team.

“The delegation’s adult members like myself, team assistant James Gates, houseparent Marivi San Juan and head coach Jess Landagan appreciate Fr. Rocky’s efforts in molding our contingent into a closely-knit group,” he said.

The players set to have what promises to be an unforgettable first trip abroad are Erica Mae Inocencio (team captain), Blue Shark Gaerlan, Jayson Simangan, Ladylyn Ampe, Lorelyn Cabayanan, Noriel Pineones, Mario Titoy winger Raymond Elona, goalie Roberto Orlandez, Jr., and alternate Gerry Boy Joaquino.