MANILA, Philippines — The Ateneo de Manila grade school football team represented Quezon City in the National Capital Region divisional tournament held recently, winning all its matches at the FEU Diliman field.
The boys from Ateneo bested public school elementary teams, including the Old Balara Elementary School which they met in the finals for the second straight year. The Ateneo team scored a total of 38 goals and conceded none during the entire tournament.
Special awards were given to Ryan Moti as the Best Defender and Jacob Navarro as the MVP and Golden Boot awardee.
Now, the Ateneo team will prepare for the NCR Regional Championship scheduled in March 2025 and try to earn the right to represent the NCR in the Palarong Pambansa.
The team was led by team captain Sancho Bautista and under coaches Paul Madrona and Rafael Cruz. Other members are Red Alminar, Miguel Tagarda, Jose Bernal, Ryan Moti, Zac Diaz, Niall Enciso, Sancho Bautista, Daniel Guerrero, Migo Achas, Matt Diaz, Marcus Cuyugan, Altis Villaseñor, Miggy Pineda, Max Unson, Anton Landicho and Ram Tuazon.