ECCP football champs in Cebu to collide with Manila winners

CEBU, Philippines - The European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) had its 6th Football Cup at Cebu International School (CIS) field last May 13.

While the mechanics of a 7-a-side game and the rules of FIFA were still followed, the organizers announced something new during the opening ceremony.

ECCP Football Cup chairman Erik Nielsen revealed the chamber’s plan to have the champions of the Cebu and Manila Cups compete with each other come November this year. Such statement stirred excitement to the players, making them throw cheers and applauses several times during the day.

To date, the latest edition of the annual event is the largest with 29 participating teams. 24 teams played in the men's division, while the remaining five saw action in the distaff side.

Furthermore, this year’s Cup served as the second sporting activity organized by ECCP after the Integrity Run last February 5.

Accenture went head-to-head with Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Cebu, Inc. before eking out a 1-0 win to emerge as the new men's champion.

Convergys had a different lot as it successfully defended its women's title after beating Accenture via a 1-0 decision.

The other competing squads included Aegis People Support, ePerformax Contact Centers and BPO, Lear Corporation, Lexmark Mactan, Lexmark R&D, Makoto Metal Technology Incorporated, Cebu Mitsumi, NKC Nakanishi Metal Works, Survey Sampling International, Stream Global Services, Taiyo Yuden Philippines, Teletech, Teradyne, Timex Philippines, and Xlibris.

A photo contest spiced up the event. Spectators, professional and amateur photographers were encouraged to shoot with their cameras for the entire day.

Havaianas and The FREEMAN newspaper made the picture of Daido Abcede, Jr.as the winning piece as it captured the contest’s theme of a FOTO (Fun, Original, Timeless and Opportune).

The 6th ECCP Football Cup was co-presented by Amazing Cebu Channel 54, Greenworld LED Solutions Inc. Havaianas, Italkarat18 and Sledgers. Gold sponsors were Golden Summit Immigration Consultancy, Harolds Hotel, Rexona and Tribu Outdoors, while The FREEMAN is the official media partner. (PR) (THE FREEMAN)