Tough battle looms in BRO National bootfest

CEBU, Philippines - A tougher battle looms ahead in the inaugural staging of the BRO National Football Festival as the organizers decided to change the format of the tournament scheduled to be held from April 20 to 22 at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

It was agreed during the coaches meeting the other night at Chowking-Guadalupe that instead of 7-a-side and 9-a-side, the competition now follows a 9-a-side and 11-a-side format.

The 9-a-side applies for the boys 7, 8,9,10, 11, girls 15, ladies, men’s open, executive 35, 40-above and Inter-BPO categories, while the 11-a-side is intended for the boys 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, and girls 19 divisions.

The organizers made a sudden adjustments on the format due to the limited time and playing venue.

“It's best that we have an 11-a-side format because this is the standard in the football," said coach Glenn Ramos, one of the three men behind the event.

At the moment, Ramos said they are studying their options whether or not to limit the number of entries because many out-of-towners have already signified their intent to take part in the three-day contest.

These include teams from the different campuses of Don Bosco including Makati, Mandaluyong, Pampanga, Victorias, Dumaguete and Cayagan de Oro.

Registration fee is pegged at P750 in the lower divisions and P1,250 for the older classes.

Before the games unfold, football enthusiasts are invited to participate in the clinic to be handled by some members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Phoenix led by Philippine Azkals mainstays Chiffey Calingdong and Ian Araneta.

PAF Phoenix is the defending champion in Division I of the United Football League (UFL).

Aside from the clinic, fans will be treated to an exhibition match between the PAF Phoenix and Cebu's Queen City United (QCU) FC, which is currently seeing action in the UFL Division II. - THE FREEMAN