Football student-athletes benefit from Leo Rey Yanson contributions

University of St. La Salle student athletes.

Leo Rey Yanson's midas touch as a football patron is not just with his club Ceres Negros FC, but it even extends to collegiate football at the University of St. La Salle.

The Ceres-Negros FC owner and alumnus is a staunch supporter of USLS, especially in football, with about 110 student-athletes availing of his scholarship program at the Bacolod-based university.

Some have since taken advantage of this opportunity to eventually play their way into the professional ranks, including stints at the Philippines Football League, whilst others have been able to carve their own successful paths after completing their degree.

One such example of the latter is Marson de la Torre, who played midfield earlier in this decade for USLS and is now working for a European bank. He shares, "After we started in 2012 as Ceres-La Salle, we were champions in NOPSCEAA and even in UNIGAMES because of his support."

He adds, "Before, we only used to play solely in Negros, but because of LRY (Yanson) we were able to participate and even became champions in the National PRISAA which was held in Pangasinan."

De la Torre, who completed his degree in interdisciplinary studies, concludes, "His words really made a mark, especially for me because I come from a poor family. LRY emphasized the value of education and that getting our diplomas would be the biggest trophy we can give him in return." He recalls how Yanson reminds them of the importance of earning their degrees knowing that life is more than just playing the sport of football.

Meanwhile, some of the USLS graduates who have been able to enter the pro ranks include Joshua Dutosme of Ceres-Negros FC and Jo Warren Bedia of Stallion Laguna FC.

Reflecting on this, the latter shares, "I was just a kid from Calinog, Iloilo who likes to kick the ball and ended up getting a degree from La Salle Bacolod. Now, I've fulfilled my desire to be a professional football player in the Philippines. I would like to thank Boss LRY for all the support since day one. I hope that he can help other kids who want to champions on and off the pitch."