Luzon Cup in Tarlac draws 15 teams

A total of 15 teams, led by recently crowned Mindanao Cup champion Bukidnon FA, will see action in the Luzon Cup, where organizers hope to discover future members of the national team.

The event, which gets going Nov. 21-24 at Jose V. Yap Sports and Recreational Park in San Jose in Tarlac, will bring together the finest 12-Under teams in the region.

“We want to form a partnership with the FAs nationwide to organize more tournaments and find more talents in the sport,” said grassroots football patron Ricky Yanson, the organizer of the tourney and president of the Negros Occidental Football Association (Nofa).

The Philippine Sports Commission is an active partner of Yanson’s grassroots program.

The Bacolod-based Nofa Cup and the recently concluded Mindanao Cup that the Davao South Regional Football Association (DSRFA) helped organize are the other events already held.

“These tournaments are in line with the ‘Football Para sa Lahat’ vision to partner with fellow FAs to stage more tournaments for young footballers in more parts of the Philippines,” said Yanson during Monday’s launch at Century Park Hotel in Manila.

“We want more Filipinos to enjoy football. And we believe grassroots football development will eventually mean more lasting success in the international arena,” said Yanson.

Speaking as guest of honor at the event’s launching, PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez said the PSC will always support sports associations in their events and activities for sports development especially in the regions.

Ramirez called on the private sector to help fund and promote more programs for Filipino children to get into sports.