Organizers set the bar higher for Copa Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Building on the success of its inaugural staging, organizers of the Copa Cebu are raising the bar for its second edition set for June 19 to 21 at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex.

This year’s competition will feature eight categories, from the Players 7 to the men’s open.

Karl Abella, one of the event organizers, announced during a press conference recently key format changes with the Players 7 and 9 now an 8-a-side battle.

The Players 11 and 13, Boys 15 and 17 Under as well as men’s and women’s open divisions will compete in a 9-a-side format.

For the younger age groups (Players 7 to 13), teams may be composed of both boys and girls.

Also, games will be played on larger pitches with longer durations, extending from 15 to 16 minutes per match.

Open substitutions will be allowed, and no offside rules will apply in either the 8-a-side or 9-a-side formats.

Jhojo Partosa of the Cebu Regional Football Association (CRFA) welcomed the adjustments.

“That’s good because the Palarong Pambansa is already doing the 8-a-side in the elementary. So this one, ni-transition na ta from 7-a-side to 8-a-side and the higher age-groups from 8 to 9-a-side,” Partosa said.

Abella emphasized that the changes reflect Copa Cebu’s commitment to grassroots development.

“That’s what Copa Cebu is all about. We want to continue developing younger grassroots players while also improving our organizers and the level of competition,” Abella said.

Abella shared that their long-term vision is to eventually stage a full 11-a-side tournament.

GoTyme Bank, one of the event’s major sponsors, expressed excitement about Copa Cebu’s growth.

“As a sponsor, we view this as a direct investment in the community by providing financial tools and helping Cebuano players unlock their financial potential. Football mirrors GoTyme Bank - it’s fast, it rewards those bold enough to take the field, and most importantly, it requires discipline. That’s the kind of institution we are building,” said GoTyme Bank representative Michael Orio.

Despite the Department of Education’s school calendar reverting to June, organizers are optimistic about matching or surpassing last year’s 144 participating teams.

Out-of-town squads are also expected to return, even with the new school year already underway.

Registration remains open through the Copa Cebu Facebook page. — (FREEMAN)