Aboitiz bootfest goes national

CEBU, Philippines — The Aboitiz Cup, the longest running football tournament in Cebu, will finally branch out to Luzon this year.

AboitizLand senior manager Farah Mayol said in a press conference yesterday at the Aboitiz Corporate Office that they have finished constructing the football pitch in Batangas City that will be used in the Luzon leg of the Aboitiz Cup tentatively scheduled in October.

“As what we have discussed last year regarding our football field in Batangas, it’s already done and so now, we are going national,” Mayol proudly announced.

The showdown between the two major regions, however, will take place next year when both regional battles will be done already.

As for the 20th edition of the Aboitiz Cup set to open on September 29 at the SM Seaside City, Cebu Football Association (CFA) President Ricky Dakay said they are expecting over 100 teams to participate.

“The Aboitiz Cup has been a cited as a model used by the Philippine Football Federation for grassroots development in the country. It is already recognized by the AFC and FIFA,” said Dakay.

Aside from giving the young booters a venue to showcase their skills, the annual tournament has also given athletic scholarships and has produced national team members through the years.

“Aboitiz recognizes the holistic development of the youth through football,” said Eduardo Aboitiz of AboitizLand.

A total of 16 categories will be contested in the men’s and women’s division.  Aside from the CCSC, games will also be played at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, Don Bosco Technical College, and Paref-Springdale.