NOFA Cup aims to produce future Azkals

BACOLOD CITY—One of the most active football organizations in the Philippines, the Negros Occidental Football Association hosts 18 of the strongest 13-Under teams in the country with the staging of the NOFA Cup from May 2 to 5 at Sta. Maria Football Field here.

Realizing the need for more youth tournaments, NOFA president Ricky Yanson said the competition is their association’s contribution to the grassroots football program in the country.

“There are a lot of teams that just want to have topnotch competition that will allow their players to develop,” said Yanson.

“I think the NOFA Cup gives these teams that opportunity. We have a great facility here and we are looking forward to host these teams. Our purpose here is to develop players who will soon be the next Azkals.”

Eight squads from Visayas are seeing action, while five teams each from Metro Manila and Mindanao make up the initial cast of teams in the 9-a-side tournament, held in partnership with Dynamic Football Club.

The group stage and the quarterfinals will run from May 2 to 4.