OMNI throws hat into football with OMNI Football Cup

Seeking to foster the growth of football in the country, OMNI Electrical and Lighting has tabled another one-day football tournament for players to sink their teeth into.

Called the OMNI Football Cup: Fight to the Finish, it will take place on July 13 at the McKinley-Hill Stadium in Taguig, with over three hundred players from a variety of competitve levels set to get themselves involved.

The depth of field could include those with playing experience in varying levels of the Philippine football pyramid, whether in the collegiate leagues or in the semi-pro or professional ranks, including those who made national team participation in youth or senior level.

According to OMNI's overall event head Henry Yang, the OMNI Football Cup is an offshoot of his inspiration to help continue the growth of the sport here in the country.

He says, "My friend and event director Albert Alde reached out to OMNI, saying why don't we hold a one-day football competition. I joined some of their training camps and saw how diverse the football community is. There were professionals and beginners. Every week, more footballers come and join to play the beautiful game."

Henry also adds, "We at OMNI wanted to give a platform to experience what it is like to play in formal matches with all the hype that comes. We wanted to support team sports and football is one sport that is growing in the Philippines right now."

Event Director Kevin James Olayvar shares, "We are in the transition of developing football. I think growing awareness further starts with people seeing quality football matches, just like in basketball or boxing when they see good match-ups or famous personalities. I think that encourages or inspires children and adults to play the game themselves."

Olayvar adds, "Our first division is open to anyone. And all teams have slots for female players. We expect many top-level players to participate in the OMNI Cup. At the same time, the OMNI Cup also provides a venue for athletes for them to stay in shape for their competitions or clubs."

There will be two divisions, each with twelve teams slated to provide quality afternoon action and heading into the night. The previous iteration back in March saw Suicide Squad Goons claiming the Division 1 title, with Kickstart FC securing the Division 2 title.

OMNI Football Cup: Fight to the Finish has Head and Shoulders Philippines, MADs Essentials: Food for the Skin, Underground Football, and Suicide Squad FC as its event partners, with Manila Bulletin, Fox Sports Philippines, and Balita Sports acting as media partners.

For more details about the OMNI Cup, one can check out their Facebook page.