MANILA: Teenager Piolo Perez swings his bat on a baseball field built atop the Philippines' most notorious trash heap, sending home run balls crashing through the shanties mushrooming on the outfield.
Inspired by a Hollywood film starring Kevin Costner about a farmer who builds a baseball diamond on his cornfield, Manila's huge landfill nicknamed Smokey Mountain has its own "Field of Dreams" to stop its youth going astray.
"If it weren't for baseball, I'd still be picking trash," Perez, a scrawny 15-year-old catcher, told AFP in between swinging at pitches in Sunday training.
Like his 60-plus teammates, Perez, used to collect recyclable materials from the truckloads of rubbish from around the nation's capital of 12 million people that is dumped on the seafront district.
But he now has a sporting scholarship thanks to a baseball and softball programme, run by a charity group and local business people.
Poverty is widespread in the Philippines, with one in four Filipinos earning a mere $1.30 a day, but the conditions at the Smokey Mountain squatter colony are especially dire.
Smokey Mountain, which got its name because of the acrid smoke that rose from decomposing waste at the rubbish dump, was officially 'closed' by the government 20 years ago. It cleared some of the land to build five-storey apartment buildings for the 15,000 'garbage gleaners' that lived and worked there.
But authorities left much of the rubbish behind, and the dumping continued illegally. New shanties sprouted and the whole area came to be known as Smokey Mountain.
Now the original grass-overgrown 20-hectare (49-acre) dump rises like a parody of the Boston Red Sox's "Green Monster" wall off third base.
The cramped and bumpy field, the size of three basketball courts, is ringed by rapidly spreading squatter shanties. Close by is a murky open sewer that empties into Manila Bay.
A home run almost always entails losing the ball to the foul-smelling water or sending it crashing through the ramshackle houses.
Many Smokey Mountain residents still depend on gleaning trash to make a living despite efforts by the government and civic groups to wean them away from the activity.
Baseball— and softball for girls — has proved a successful option for youths aged 7-18, said Marvin Navarro, community development director for the Manila branch of Junior Chamber International, a key sponsor.
"It's also a way to get them out of the negative aspects of the community such as drugs, gangs and stealing," Navarro told AFP.
Though overshadowed by basketball, baseball has deep roots in the Asian country, a US colony for nearly 50 years before winning independence in 1946.
The programs began when civic groups looking to help out slum residents found children playing rudimentary baseball at the old dump using improvised bats and gloves fashioned out of rubber sandals and cartons.
"It was just flat land which was full of garbage, not really conducive for the sports, so talks were made... to really convert this lot into a proper sports field," Navarro said.
A government agency let the team use the lot for free, and corporate sponsors including US firms operating in the Philippines cleared the field and provided uniforms and playing equipment.
Retired baseball superstars from Japan's major league are also brought in at least once a year for free clinics to the team and its coaches, Navarro said.
Perez, the son of a tricycle driver, learned to play baseball at the lot when he was eight.
He was also going to school but it was a precarious existence, as he had to spend hours each day collecting plastic water bottles to raise enough money for the study fees of 50 pesos (just over a dollar) a day.
The boy, who idolises the Miami Marlins' Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, a batting and base-stealing champion, stopped collecting garbage after earning a high school sports scholarship at the Timoteo Paez Integrated School nearby.
Garry Riparip, the community's head coach, said the main challenge was convincing parents to let their children play and go to school, instead of forcing them to collect trash.
"We're trying to change their mindset, so that they will put more importance to education than earning a living from garbage. If they graduate many more opportunities will open up for them," he told AFP.
Another issue for the children is overcoming diffidence to compete against well-heeled opponents with slick uniforms and top-of-the-line equipment.
"It's intimidating at times playing against teams from wealthy schools. Our team has to share the gloves," said Rica Lacorte, 13, who plays third base for the girls' team.
Despite the odds, Smokey Mountain teams compete in the country's little league tournaments, and many of them have excelled, Riparip, 48, said.
Their under-15 girls team went to the Junior League Softball World Series in the United States in 2014.
Though they still live in the slum, 15 boys are also currently on playing scholarships with three prestigious Manila universities, he added.
Lacorte, the daughter of a taxi driver who lives at one of the tenement units, told AFP she and her parents wanted her to follow the same path.
"My parents support my softball activities. They want me to meet more friends and perhaps win a scholarship," she said.
'Field of Dreams' offers baseball hope in Philippines
'Field of Dreams' offers baseball hope in Philippines
Hosts Switzerland beaten 2-1 by Norway in their Women’s Euro opener
- The hosts had plenty of opportunities to grab what would have been a famous victory but the Norwegians dug deep to snatch a narrow win
- The victory puts the Norwegians top of Group A, with Finland second after their 1-0 win over Iceland earlier in the day
BASEL, Switzerland: Switzerland took the lead against Norway but fell to a 2-1 defeat on home soil after scoring an own goal on the opening day of the Women’s Euro 2025 Championship on Wednesday, with Norwegian captain Ada Hegerberg netting the equalizer and missing a penalty.
The hosts had plenty of opportunities to grab what would have been a famous victory but the Norwegians dug deep to snatch a narrow win, their third over the Swiss by a single goal in 2025.
Having lost to the Norwegians twice in the Nations League this year, the home side dominated the opening 45 minutes and Geraldine Reuteler came close to giving them the lead in the 24th minute with a shot that cannoned back off the crossbar before Nadine Riesen struck four minutes later to send the St. Jakob-Park Stadium into raptures.
Riesen reacted quickly to an attack that broke down, rattling the ball past Vilde Boe Risa and off the near post into the net to send the Swiss fans at St. Jakob-Park into raptures.
However, it was a different story after the break and it was Norway’s Hegerberg who turned the page.
After barely featuring in the first half, she leveled nine minutes into the second with an emphatic header from a corner that briefly silenced the home crowd and four minutes later, under pressure from Hegerberg, Switzerland’s Julia Stierli turned a low cross from Caroline Graham Hansen into her own net.
Reuteler was sparkling throughout for the Swiss but despite a number of golden chances, she could not get the goal both she and her team deserved, and she conceded a penalty which Hegerberg missed in the 70th minute.
Switzerland were awarded a spot-kick of their own that was overturned after a VAR review and, as the Swiss poured forward, the Norwegians hung on grimly for a victory that puts them top of Group A, with Finland second after their 1-0 win over Iceland earlier in the day.
“This was important, this means a lot for us... the goal was euphoria for me but it was damn important for the team as well,” Hegerberg told Norwegian broadcaster TV2.
“It is very strong of us to manage to turn it around. It may not happen in the prettiest way. We were told forcefully during the break that we did not run enough, then we saw two clips, a defensive and offensive, about how to take them, I think we managed to do that,” vice-captain Graham Hansen said.
Swiss coach Pia Sundhage was unhappy that her side did not manage to get more out of the game.
“I think it’s very heavy, a defeat like that. Our game plan was good and we even scored a goal... today it’s tough but tomorrow we’ll see a smile and start working,” she told broadcaster SVT.
NEOM and McLaren light up Trafalgar Square with bold vision and design
- The Formula E partners unveil bold new look for their cars during McLaren Racing Live: London, a two-day event in the British capital
- The new look introduces vibrant tones inspired by Oxagon, a reimagined industrial city within NEOM focusing on clean, connected manufacturing
LONDON: In a celebration of speed, innovation and cross-continental ambition, the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team on Wednesday unveiled a bold new livery, marking a major moment in their partnership.
Their redesigned Formula E car — wearing a vivid blue “away kit” inspired by NEOM’s industrial hub Oxagon — was revealed at Trafalgar Square as part of McLaren Racing Live: London, a two-day public experience in the city packed with fan interactions, high-tech exhibits, and team appearances.
It represents more than simply a new paint job; it is a visual embodiment of a partnership that aims to accelerate sustainable transformation and push the boundaries of sport, tech and industry.
The new look, developed jointly by NEOM and McLaren, retains the team’s signature papaya touches but introduces vibrant tones inspired by the identity of Oxagon, a reimagined industrial city within NEOM focusing on clean, connected manufacturing.
“This isn’t just about a new look,” said Ian James, the managing director and team principal of McLaren Electric Racing. “It symbolizes the deeper connection between McLaren’s racing heritage and Oxagon’s vision for clean, connected industry.
“NEOM has been with us since the very beginning and now, with this second bespoke livery, we have another opportunity to showcase what the partnership truly represents.”
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, James praised the enthusiasm he has witnessed among the Saudi youth and said the partnership with NEOM continues to inspire and have a real impact.
“What’s incredible about NEOM is that it really is a blueprint for how we can live in the future,” he said. “It’s all about sustainable innovation, something we at McLaren strive to embody through our own technology and engineering.”
James also touched on the success of the Oxagon x McLaren Accelerator business-development program.
“Some of the startups we’ve supported are already piloting next-gen tech, like predictive maintenance systems and robotic container handling,” he said. “These are not just ideas; they’re becoming reality.”
Team drivers Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard also shared their views on the partnership with NEOM. Bird, a seasoned Formula E competitor, said the collaboration fits seamlessly with McLaren’s own mindset.
“This partnership works so well because NEOM’s core values of pushing boundaries, innovation and technology mirror what we believe in at McLaren,” Bird said.
“Every time I visit NEOM I’m blown away by how fast it’s expanding and the scale of ambition.”
He also hinted at what lies ahead: “I know NEOM is developing a bespoke race track as part of a new car club — and if we ever got to race there, that would be unbelievable.”
Barnard, one of the team’s younger talents, noted the ways in which the partnership has influenced his own developing career.
“Formula E is about future-focused racing, and NEOM is the very definition of a future-focused project,” he said. “Being part of something like this is not only exciting for us drivers, it has the potential to inspire a whole new generation, especially in Saudi Arabia.”
Reflecting on his visits to NEOM, Barnard added: “It’s a fascinating environment, and as a young driver it makes me optimistic. This kind of global collaboration shows what’s possible when sport and innovation work hand in hand.”
Vishal Wanchoo, the CEO of Oxagon said: “When you combine McLaren’s performance DNA with Oxagon’s clean industrial mission, you don’t just build cars, you shape the future of industry.”
The team’s takeover of Trafalgar Square was not just about the spectacle. It offered Londoners, and visiting international fans, the chance to get up close with McLaren racing cars used in F1, IndyCar, Formula E, and more. Children from local schools took part in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities, and fans of all ages had a chance to try out racing simulators, pit-stop challenges, and virtual reaction walls.
With the ABB FIA Formula E season finale set to take place in London on July 26 and 27, the NEOM McLaren team is not just chasing results on the track, it aims to redefine what racing partnerships can look like in a changing world.
As the crowd gathered beneath the towering lions of Trafalgar Square, one thing was certain: this was about more than motorsport. It was a statement. A platform. And if NEOM and McLaren have their way, it will be just the beginning.
Liverpool defender Quansah signs for Bayer Leverkusen
- The transfer fee for the 22-year-old could go up to $47m
- “We are very happy to be able to sign Jarell Quansah, one of the most promising English central defenders,” said Rolfes
MUNICH: Center-half Jarell Quansah has joined Bayer Leverkusen from Premier League champions Liverpool for a reported club record fee, the Bundesliga side announced on Wednesday.
According to British and German press, the transfer fee for the 22-year-old could go up to 40 million euros ($47 million), including 10 million euros in add-ons.
German specialist media Kicker and The Athletic also reported the inclusion of a 60-million-euros buy-back clause in the contract, which Liverpool could activate from summer 2027 to re-sign Quansah.
“We are very happy to be able to sign Jarell Quansah, one of the most promising English central defenders,” said Leverkusen managing director of sport Simon Rolfes.
“He made a very impressive contribution to a Liverpool defense full of world-class players. Jarell will give our defense extra dynamism, tempo and strength.”
Quansah becomes the most expensive signing in Leverkusen’s history, following on from the previous record arrival of midfielder Kerem Demirbay for 32 million euros in 2019.
The 2025 European under-21 champion with England joined Liverpool’s academy as a five-year-old, and rose through the ranks before making his first-team debut in 2023.
He went on to appear 58 times for the Merseysiders, winning the League Cup in 2022 and 2024, as well as the Premier League title last season.
After playing second fiddle to first-choice defensive duo Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate for much of the 2024/25 campaign, Quansah arrives at Leverkusen to replace departed former captain Jonathan Tah at the heart of the Bundesliga club’s defense.
“The ambitious targets here were clearly explained to me during the negotiations. It’s a great role and challenge for me to be part of the current Leverkusen rebuild,” said Quansah.
After creating league history by winning the Bundesliga undefeated in 2024, Leverkusen endured a difficult title defense last term, finishing 13 points adrift of winners Bayern Munich.
Stars of their league-and-cup double from two seasons years ago, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, have recently gone in the opposite direction from Quansah, joining Liverpool from Leverkusen this close-season.
India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket clash likely on September 7 in UAE — report
- Uncertainty prevailed over Asia Cup after India and Pakistan’s military conflict in May worsened already strained ties
- Asia Cup to follow group stage, Super Fours format, meaning both can play each other at least twice, says report
ISLAMABAD: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are likely to face each other in the upcoming Asia Cup cricket tournament on September 7 in the UAE, a report by an Indian publication said on Wednesday.
According to a report in Indian publication ‘Times of India,’ the Asia Cup is likely to start on September 5 with the title clash taking place on September 21. It said that all participating nations, including official hosts India, are close to getting clearances from their respective governments for the tournament which is set to be played in the UAE.
Already-soured relations between India and Pakistan further worsened after four days of intense fighting before a ceasefire was announced in May. Bilateral cricket has been suspended since 2013 between the Asian neighbors, who play each other only in multi-team events as per an International Cricket Council arrangement.
“The 17-day window has been almost finalized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and India are set to take on Pakistan on September 7 as per the initial schedule,” a report by the Times of India said.
The tournament is set to feature hosts India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and UAE, the report said, adding that it is set to follow the group stage and Super Fours format. This means fans will witness the India-Pakistan contest at least twice, and the second contest could take place on September 14, the report said.
Uncertainty has clouded over the Asia Cup after the two countries were locked in conflict in May. Political tensions have always adversely affected cricket ties between the two countries.
India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy this year and played all their matches, including the March 9 final, in Dubai.
India will host the women’s 50-overs World Cup this year but Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka under an arrangement made by the International Cricket Council.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is against playing Pakistan even in neutral venues but will follow whatever the BCCI decided, he said in May.
Real Madrid quarterfinal just a bonus for ‘overperforming’ Dortmund
- Kovac came out on top in May when he pitted his wits against new Real coach Xabi Alonso when the Spaniard was in charge at Bayer Leverkusen
ATLANTA, Georgia: Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said a date in the Club World Cup quarterfinals against Real Madrid was just a bonus for his overperforming team, who held off a second-half comeback from Monterrey to win 2-1 in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Two goals from Serhou Guirassy put Dortmund well on top at halftime and Kovac was pleased with how hard they battled after their Mexican opponents stormed back in the second half.
Although Dortmund lost 2-0 to Real in the 2024 Champions League final, they have experienced something of a revival since Kovac took over from Nuri Sahin in February.
They earned a spot in next season’s Champions League with a victory over Kiel in their last match of the Bundesliga season and have continued to improve at the Club World Cup.
Kovac came out on top in May when he pitted his wits against new Real coach Xabi Alonso when the Spaniard was in charge at Bayer Leverkusen.
The Croatian might be downplaying their ambitions of going further but Real would be wise to take their challenge seriously, especially if they can replicate Tuesday’s first-half performance.
Key quotes
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac: “We are happy. I think we overperformed. We passed the group stage. This is now on top. This is a bonus for us, and now playing against the biggest team and biggest club in the world is a good challenge.”
“I think that for us, Borussia Dortmund, and also for German football as a whole, this is a big, big deal.”
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac: “We know (Xabi Alonso) very well. So he worked two and a half years in Germany, and he did a fantastic job.
“Now he’s implementing everything he had in Leverkusen at Real Madrid. So we’re expecting the same what we had in Leverkusen, only with different players.
“We’re looking forward to it but you have to play football for 90 minutes, and if we put everything onto the pitch, same performance as we saw today, I think that we will have a good chance.”
