CEBU, Philippines - Even before the 9th Thirsty Cup could unfold this weekend, Thirsty big boss Bunny Pages looks forward to making the 10th edition of the annual football festival an international event.
In fact, tournament director Neil Montesclaros said this early, they have already established some links with different clubs from other countries including Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.
“Thirsty is promoting a healthy lifestyle not only in words, but also in deeds through our involvement in sports. It's also a way of thanking our customers,” Pages said during a news conference yesterday at Mooon Cafe in Cebu IT Park.
Meanwhile, a record field of 321 teams will join this year's action, 47 of which are from outside Cebu and one from the national team to be represented by the Little Azkals.
The overflowing number of participants prompted the organizers to hold the games in two venues.
Had Paref-Springdale Football Club been allowed to join, there could have been 12 more teams that will see actoin in the two-weekend tilt.
The Cebu Footbal Association (CFA) has recently imposed a three-year ban on Springdale and the organizers of Thirsty event are abiding by it.
While Springdale is out of the picture, the organizers welcomes back Don Bosco Technology Center, which was missing in action last year due to budgetary constraints.
The Bosconians readily made an impact upon their return as they have the largest contingent with close to 30 teams spread in different classes.
The categories to be contested include the players 6, 8,10, girls 12, 17, 19, boys 12, 14,17 and 19, ladies open, men’s open, men’s 36 and 42-above.
All age-group matches are scheduled this weekend, while the ladies and men's open will be played next week.
The San Roque Parish field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue will play host to the boys 12,14, 17 and 19-under, while the rest will be at the University of San Carlos-Technological Center (USC-TC) field in Brgy. Talamban. (FREEMAN)