Aboitiz Football Cup seeking to uplift CALABARZON football

From L-R: Edwin Alobin, Tournament Director from the Rizal Football Association; Clifford Academia, Vice President for Operations at LIMA Estate; and Rely San Agustin, RSA1 Sports Group

For the 23rd edition of the Aboitiz Football Cup, organizers have decided to add a local touch to the competition, adding a specific tournament that is tailored for football teams based in the CALABARZON region.

Organizers believe having this division will empower the next generation of athletes in CALABARZON by providing them with the exposure and opportunities they need through training and competition.

In making the announcement, Lima Estate Vice President for Operations Clifford Academia adds that this will "provide even more opportunities for aspiring football talents."

Academia notes that "we take pride in being part of a broader mission to enhance communities, improve well-being, and enrich lives through the power of sports. This tournament is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of community building and youth empowerment."

The Youth CALABARZON division is slated to take place in December, with divisions from the Under-7s to the Under-15s from all over the nearby provinces to participate in a one-day football festival.

The goal, according to the former national team goalkeeper, is to eventually have a league within the region much akin to the Youth Football League that takes place in Manila, where the best from Cavite, Batangas, and even Quezon will have the chance to test themselves and compete.

Aside from the Youth CALABARZON division, the Aboitiz Cup will also hold football clinics with the assistance of Football Lipa, targeting kids from the community, with outstanding participants potentially being integrated as scholars with the program. It also will have a events management course where coaches and teachers will be given the chance to learn from experts about organizing and managing not just football clubs/teams, but even establish and run football festivals/tournaments.

In addition, San Agustin also bared the Lima Estate's interest to bring back the NCAA South football tournament to the Aboitiz Pitch, having hosted its previous edition. They have also expressed their desire for the facility to host Philippines Football League matches once again, having been able to do so pre-pandemic.

San Agustin also bared Batangas' desire to compete in top-quality seven-a-side competition. He shares that their 7s team that participated in the inaugural women's Kampeon Cup are keeping themselves active and ready, and added that their men's counterparts were almost ready to participate in the men's Kampeon Cup.