Red Ribbon Under-16 Bootfest set Jan. 21

Starting this weekend, football buffs get back to exciting action as the Red Ribbon U-16 unfolds on January 21 at the San Roque football field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Around 12 teams have expressed their interest to participate in the month-long 11-aside tournament, which caters to boys born on or after 1991.

CebuFA president Jonathan Maximo said the event will serve as a talent identification for Cebu City's representatives to the International Children's Games in July in Bangkok, Thailand.

"If plans of the new Cebu City Sports Commission leadership pushes through, we are going to have a pool of players who can represent Cebu," said Maximo.

On the other hand, defending champion Springdale remains the top favorite as it won the Aboitiz Football Festival last year by beating the Don Bosco Boys Home in the final.

DB Boys Home, on the other hand, is not about to be taken lightly as they are considered as darkhorse in the event.

Other schools joining are Don Bosco College, Hiroshi FC (formerly Abellana National School), Cebu International School, San Roque FC, University of San Carlos, and first time entries Pope John XXIII and Bright Academy.