Little Azkals bag gold in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines - The dream of someday playing with the Azkals loomed large in the horizon for eight boys who won the under-8 division of the Ark 5-by-5 Soccer Festival in Singapore last weekend. Drawing inspiration from their football heroes, the Ateneo Grade 2 students ended the two-day tournament with a total of 21 points from 18 goals, seven wins and two losses. Chao Chu Kang of the host country wound up second with 13 points from six goals, three wins, four draws and two losses.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano (Nonong) Araneta hailed the boys’ victory as a positive sign for the future. The tournament wasn’t just fun and games. It was serious competition with teams coming from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia and Australia.

“With the Pinoy’s growing love for soccer, the kids now want to emulate their local soccer heroes, the Azkals who continue to spur the interest and fervor for the sport,” said Ginge Salud whose son Marco played right wing for the team. “Before dreaming of donning the FCB jersey, they first wish is to one day wear an Azkals jersey and do their share of bringing national pride through sports.”

For Araneta, the win was music to his ears. Since taking over as PFF president two years ago, he has embarked on a comprehensive grassroots development program. He has linked up with the Department of Education to promote football at the elementary level with five-a-side and seven-a-side competitions. Ateneo’s triumph is an indication that the game is gaining ground from the bottom up.

The Soccer Festival was organized by Ark Sports Management Pte. Ltd., the first and only football company in Singapore with an ISO 9001 award. The annual event began in 2008 and every year, the level of competition has gone up several notches. This year’s hostilities were played at the brand-new The Ark@Thomson Futsal Pitch near the James Cook University. Games were played in four age groups – under-8, under-10, under-12 and under-14. Ark Sports Management managing director Jimmy Beh said it is a commitment to upgrade the quality of play in the event.

Ateneo’s Team B took third in the under-8 bracket with nine points from two goals, two wins, three draws and four losses. “The varsity boys look forward to this annual tournament, now in its fifth year,” said Salud whose husband is ophthalmologist Dr. Arnold Salud. “Participation in this international event is a privilege as only eight are selected in a team. Preparations began as early as October with the boys doing 3 to 4 hour training schedules five times a week. To supplement field training, the boys clocked in some hours of futsal to improve their speed and agility. Inter-school and inter-club tournaments kept the competitive spirit alive, providing the mental preparation to face possibilities of bigger, stronger, faster international opponents.”

 The winning team was made up of striker Enzo Lucindo, left wing Gabe Lariosa, striker Carlos Jorvina, midfielder Ezzo Rostrata, defender Felipe Lagdameo, defender Alfonso Regino, goalkeeper Santi Pastor and Salud. Pastor and Salud are first cousins and grandchildren of the late PBA commissioner and WBC secretary-general Rudy Salud. Coach was Richard Torres. The five-a-side tournament featured six minutes a half. Parents who accompanied the boys in Singapore were Luigi and Margarita Pastor, Denis and Myca Lucindo, Jayson and Wianne Jorvina, John and Vanessa Lariosa, Paolo and Bessie Regino, Danny and Mary Ann Rostrata, Carlo and Claudine Lagdameo and Dr. Arnold and Ginge Salud.

At least 40 teams participated in the four age group tournament, making it one of the biggest international football competitions for boys in the region.