Ariana Gementiza has played several tournaments abroad, even acting as skipper of the Makati FC girls squad that she knows how to make sense of close defeats.

The young Filipinos fell to Sporting CP (Clube de Portugal) in penalties in the Iber Cup final over the weekend but the takeaway from the match was more important than the silver finish of Makati FC.

“It feels amazing,” Gementiza said after Sporting edged Makati FC, 6-5, on penalties. The two teams were tied at 2-2 at the end of regular time. “Every time I wear the jersey or walk out with the team, I carry our flag with me, knowing we’re making history in places where people may not even know much about Filipino football,” she added.

What the Makati FC girls are doing, however, is providing a blueprint for success for young kids who see football as a path to football glory.

“Don’t stop chasing your dreams,” the 13-year-old midfielder said. “Work hard, stay humble, and believe that even kids from the Philippines can make it to the world stage because we’re already doing it.”

Teammate Juju Antonio Katabay echoed her sentiments and vouched for football’s popularity in the grassroots, something that officals can take advantage of to build on the bistoric appearance of the Filipinas in the women’s World Cup.

“I realized how important football is in people’s lives here and how small it is in the Philippines,” the 14-year-old defender said. “The parents are really passionate, they have their team banners and team songs, and they’re really affected by the results of the games. I also realized that if we try hard and do our best, we can be at the same level as them and even beat them.”

The girls team of Sporting CP, whose men’s team (Sporting Lisbon) is one of Portugal’s “Big Three,” certainly had their hands full against Makati FC, who refused to buckle under pressure from bigger and more expeirenced players.

“I was so extremely proud … [to] show them that we can put up a good fight and match their talent and effort,” defender Ella Chua said after the final held at Campo Escloa Salseiana in Estoril, Portugal.

“Facing Sporting CP in the IberCup final was an incredible challenge,” said striker Grace Gella. “I am very grateful for making everyone back home proud.”

And in every tournament Makati FC makes people back home proud, it provides inspiration for wide-eyed young hopefuls. INQ