Eighty teams and 1,380 young players competed in front of more than 7,000 spectators in the first edition of the LaLiga Youth Tournament in the Philippines held at the world-class New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on Oct. 18 t0 20.
The young generation of Philippine footballers showcased their abilities at a competitive level, with the following emerging champions: Crocs FC Davao, Under-8, Uder-10, Under-12; Total FC, Under-14; and White Team of De La Salle-Zobel, Under-16.
The youth tournament aims to become the benchmark tournament in grassroots football through multiple local editions and to boost football talent throughout the Southeast Asian region.
There are also plans to hold a larger tournament at regional level.
“It was a celebration of football and the exceptional talent of young players from across Asia. The passion and energy we experienced throughout the tournament were incredible, and it’s clear that the future of football is bright,” Ed Pasion, president of co-organizer Epic Management Inc., said in a news release.
Pasion said the LaLiga Youth Tournament started in Malaysia four years ago, with the Philippines also sending teams.
LaLiga’s Singapore office has made the tournament a priority project.
“We aim to work with the highest quality standards and establish the Youth Tournament brand as a reference in the region. Thus we are very proud of the success of this edition in the Philippines,” Iván Codina, director of the Singapore Office, said.
After previous stops Malaysia and Indonesia, the tournament will go to Thailand in November. (PR/PNA)
