Alabang football festival starts tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines - Close on the heels of the World Cup, the Alabang Country Club opens its doors to the first ACC Football Festival kicking off on Oct. 1 with close to 150 teams expected to see action in the two-day soccer showcase in Muntinlupa.

“We see the potential of Filipinos in the sport so this is the Alabang Country Club’s way of pitching in to develop soccer,” said acting ACC general manager and tournament chair Bones Floro, son of the late sportsman-businessman Danny Floro.

Located inside the plush Ayala Alabang Village, the ACC football grounds rank among the country’s most well-maintained pitches, making it an ideal venue for the soccerfest, Floro added.

While 100 teams have so far signed up, tournament director Cathy Rivilla said the event sponsored by Toyota, Yellow Cab, Brothers Burgers and Gatorade is still open to teams and clubs who want to join the 5-and-7-a-side competitions in various age groups.

The first day features games in the 5-a-side mixed boys and girls 6-U division, 7-a-side mixed 8-U and 10-U and 7-a-side boys’ and girls’ 12-U and 17-U.

Sunday’s schedule:   7-a-side matches in the boys’ and girls; 14-under, men’s open (Division 1, 2 and 3), women’s open (Division 1 and 2) and veterans (40-above) categories.

Inquiries: ACC Football Festival secretariat at 0939-3398151 and 0920-9611668, or e-mail at [email protected].

Handsome medals and trophies plus gift items await the winners of the inaugural ACC soccer tournament.

“With these many teams participating, expect a festive and lively atmosphere similar to what we see in the World Cup,” Floro and Rivilla said. “Don’t forget to bring your vuvuzelas!”