CEBU, Philippines - Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu’s title retention bid in the 14-under category got a big boost as the Elite Team will forgo with its participation in the Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC)-organized 10th National Inter-Club Football Cup set from April 24 to May 2 at different venues here.
Elite Team’s withdrawal came after head coach Oliver Colina failed to submit its official entries on the April 13 deadline given to him by CAFC president Glenn Quisido.
“We lacked preparation because we started our camp just last Monday and one week of practice for the Inter-Club is not enough,” said Colina. “So we better decided not to push through with our participation in competition,” he added.
With the Elite Team out of the picture, Quisido said that the two slots are now open for reservations to other interested teams.
Of the six classes in the boys division, the boys 14 category has the most number of entries with 10.
The other categories to be contested are 38-above, men’s open, boys 17, 14 and 12-under and players 10 mix.
The defending champions are Army’s 53rd Engineering Brigade (men’s open), Hiroshi FC (men’s 38-above) and Abellana National School (boys 17).
Two of the total number of entries are from other areas – Sta. Rita in San Carlos City and Ormoc’s under-14 squad.
The National Inter-Club Football Cup is among the highlights of CAFC’s 20th year of existence.
From merely a group of former varsity players of the University of San Carlos, the club has grown, opening doors to other players interested to join in and compete with them.
After a decade of participating in different local tournaments, CAFC decided to have a tournament of its own, which is now a yearly event.
Registration fee for the men’s open and 38-above is pegged at P5, 000, while the age-groupers will be assessed with only P1,000.
Aside from trophies and medals, the men’s open champion will pocket P30,000, while the 38-above champion will go home P10,000 richer. (FREEMAN NEWS)