Real Talk

Stephan Schrock: Major Goals for His Family

by Nathelle Lumabad
December 23, 2022

Azkals player Stephan Schrock shares his uphill journey to becoming a successful athlete. He imparts the lessons he’s learned along the way to his three children.

This story first came out in Modern Parenting’s 2022 print edition.

Stephan Schrock is no ordinary sports dad. This professional football player, who was born to a German father and Filipino mother, plays as an attacking midfielder for the Philippine Azkals, the country’s national football team. He’s also the Azkals Developmental Team (ADT) captain and the head coach of the Azkals Developmental Academy (ADA). The journey to where he is right now was certainly not easy and smooth sailing.

His parents separated when he was only 6 years old, leaving him and his sister under his mother’s care. She had to work three jobs, be the head of the household, and still consistently take him to his football training sessions and games just to support his dream of becoming a professional athlete.

A Champion’s Dedication to Being A Father

It is sheer hard work and discipline that’s made him a successful athlete while taking care of his wife Pina, and kids Diaz, Manilo, and Lupina. Growing up without a father figure, Stephan wanted
to change that for his own family. He strives hard to be present and worthy of being a role model to them. He wants them to learn that hard work pays off and affords them the things they want in life. “Gifts and vacations should be valued and don’t fall on anyone’s lap,” he says.

Although Stephan Schrock’s kids are used to him being recognized on the street and stopped for photos, the dad-of-three wants them to understand that his achievements have earned him that popularity. Like him, Stephan wants them to learn to stand on their own feet and make their own marks in this world.

However, he admits that he’s the more relaxed parent and is the first to spoil them to no end. It’s Pina who is more of the disciplinarian and looks after them on a daily basis. On his low-key approach, Stephan explains, “Eventually they will learn. I believe we must find the perfect balance and not overdo one thing and eventually, they will get it. It is important that they know we are here for them.”

The Value of Sports

Parenting during these modern times can be challenging as the new generation has information
at their fingertips. Stephan wants to teach them the realities of life and that not everything is as glamorous as what’s portrayed on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. While he has no idea how these kids will grow up, he trusts that they’ll grow into people who can manage real life and the social media world. That’s why he encourages engaging in sports.

After all, he’s found a second family in his team and has gone through some of life’s milestones with them like winning, losing, and forging a special bond of brotherhood.

Football has also kept him away from mingling with the wrong crowd and has helped him avoid being reckless because he spent all his time training and playing games.

Dedication: The Secret Ingredient of Every Champion Athlete and Parent

All athletes must come equipped with discipline to survive, which is something necessary in life. Stephan Schrock’s mom has even used football as a way of keeping him in line, not letting him attend practice if he misbehaved. Nowadays, kids play games that allow them to start over when things get tough. There’s no determination to stay on track and the tendency is to give up right away when the road becomes rocky. This is not the case with sports.

“This is why it’s important to support your child if he or she is showing interest in sports — even if you
don’t know anything about the game. Encourage them, even on hard days or in moments when they don’t want to go. But don’t force them; rather, support them,” Stephan shares.

This is especially true for football in the Philippines, which is still not a very popular sport in the
country. Stephan praises Filipino parents who spend time and money so that their children can play sports, even more so football.

Looking forward to the new generation of local athletes and sportsmen

There is hope that the local sports scene can keep up with the rest of the world, with football as the fastest-growing sport in the country. Stephan believes there needs to be a good football league in the Philippines where clubs can thrive and attract more players to join.

“If we improve the professional league and exposure to footballers, then kids can be inspired to make a career in the sport to provide for their family,” he says.

Among Stephan’s kids, only 5-year-old Manilo has shown interest in the sport that has blessed his dad with so much. But regardless of what career path they want to pursue, the football star hopes that they become great adults who are kind, healthy, happy, and have their feet planted on the ground. And he will always be behind them, supporting whatever direction they want to go.