George Lontoc of Red Ribbon was in town to launch his company-sponsored tournament for enthusiasts 14 and under. National in scope, the finales will be played at the Cebu City Sports Center by the end of this month.
Other recent visitors include a delegation from the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) led by its president Rene Adad, who launched the Adidas lightning cup. Involving three divisions, PFF tournament organizer Jojo Rodriguez took charge of the seven-a-side games. Almost simultaneously, a three-day futsal seminar was conducted exclusively for coaches and referees by PFF referee instructor Wackee Preysler, assisted by FIFA and national referee Jerry Andres as resource speaker, complete with hands-on demonstrations.
Seen observing the ongoing games one Sunday were former Philippine national team players Glenn Ramos and Mario Ceniza. Fellow erstwhile team member Alex Ballesteros had his keen eye on some potential recruits for possible training with the Philippine Army team. Spotted giving moral support to their color bearers were Don Bosco football powerhouse representatives Fr. Jhun Paradiang and Bro. Eric Nacorda.
Cebu Football Association (CFA) president Mario Ugarte, a veteran sportsman like no other, assured fans and followers that the best is yet to come.
"Word has reached us through the spokesman of the Aboitiz Group Foundations Inc, Sonny Carpio, that the annual Aboitiz Cup is slated for late July, and all the preparations are in place. Without a doubt, this will be CFA’s biggest tournament, with as many as 60 teams from all age brackets. Some ladies teams will be participating, too."
Soon, the torch of the association’s leadership will pass on. Newly-elected officers are Jonathan Maximo as president, Dave Sharpe as vice president, Michael Veloso, treasurer, and Neil Montesclaros, secretary. Directors include Mario Ugarte, Eddie Buot, Mark Bretherton, Edward Chu, and Jackie Deen Lotzof.
Congratulations and more power to the Cebu Football Association.