Makati FC dominates Singapore tilt, captures overall crown

Makati FC’s Andie Bautista tries to break through the Valencia CF defense during their JSSL Singapore Academy 7’s Girls 16 pro category match. MAKATI FC PHOTO

Makati Football Club (MFC) captured a second straight overall championship in the JSSL Singapore Academy 7s 2024 recently.

And it has its girls squads to thank for the accomplishment.

Makati FC Girls 12 completed a successful title defense while the Girls 14 team ruled their division, but it was a title loss by the Girls 16 team that stole the limelight.

READ: Makati FC cops overall title in Singapore tournament anew

The squad, made up of the core of the team that placed second in last year’s Gothia World Youth Cup, stunned Sporting Clube de Portugal, 1-0, before bowing to defending champion Valencia CF of Spain, 6-2.

In the boys division, MFC topped the Boys 13 for the first time since 2019, while its Boys 6 and 7 squads also emerged triumphant.

The academy also had runner-up finishes by its Boys 10 and 14 teams and the podium finishes by its Girls 10 and Boys 15 squads to take home the Paul Parker trophy awarded to the overall champions of the event that drew more than 450 teams and 6,000 players from different countries.

“Our mission at Makati Football Club goes beyond just training athletes; it’s about nurturing dreams and fostering a sense of possibility,” said coach Selu Lozano. “We want every child who walks through our doors to know that dedication and proper support, they too can be great. May it be in sports or in other aspects of life.”

“Football has the power to transcend barriers and unite communities and by investing in our youth and providing them with the tools to succeed, we’re not only shaping the future of football but also empowering future leaders and role models.” said MFC founder Tomas Lozano. —INQUIRER SPORTS STAFF