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| A key part of the Cebuano footballing culture, the Aboitiz Cup will be in Luzon for the very first time. Kevin Estrada/Dugout Philippines |
LIPA -- A staple of Cebuano football will soon hit the country's largest island.
The Aboitiz Football Cup, now on its 20th season, will be hitting Luzon for the very first time when it kicks off on October 13 at The Outlets in Batangas after it was launched last Thursday there.
Every weekend, players in different divisions will compete in the newly-built artificial turf behind the new mall inside the Lipa-Malvar Technology Center, where it will be played until mid-December that will coincide the formal opening of The Outlets.
The new field is being jointly operated by Aboitiz Land and RSA Una Group, with the latter continuing its drive in promoting football for this year, after starting 2018 with a visit by Brazilian legend Zico earlier.
“Last year, we promised to bring the Aboitiz Football Cup to the national football scene and we’re just happy to accomplish that. Now, we envision to make AFC as the country’s premier football league as we continue to provide education through sports and provide a venue for local players to compete and exhibit their skills,” said Dudes Aboitiz, AboitizLand Commercial Business Unit Head.
A total of 120 teams in fifteen categories will be battling for bragging rights and trophies, with seven of them to be played in the full 11-a-side game.
According to Rely San Agustin, the presence of the Aboitiz Football Cup in Batangas is a welcome sight indeed for the game in Batangas, where in they take small steps in promoting the tournament.
That includes a clash between the champions of Luzon and of course, the titlists from the centerpiece tournament in Cebu, making it a nationwide event.
"Most definitely. Actually for this first year we call it the Luzon edition, but eventually we call it the Luzon leg," the RSA top honcho said, stressing the importance of cooperation between them and their Cebuano counterparts.
Interested teams are encouraged to check the tournament's Facebook page, with registration extended until September 20.
Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada
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