Cebu embraces the world’s No. 1 sport

The recently held 12^th Cebu Interclub Football Tournament once again proved that the world’s number one sport is well and alive in this corner of the globe.

            After a little over a week, Hiroshi emerged as champion of the premiere men’s open division after pulling past Queen City United in the final match.

            The 40-above title went to Queen City United beating ERCO Football club in a thrilling penalty shootout that was settled in a sudden-death.

            While this year’s tournament did not draw large crowds during the final day unlike last year, which was graced by the Philippine Azzkals, it was no doubt a display of the good quality of football that is being played in Cebu.

            Of course there is still much to be desired, but tournament’s like this annual interclub will help keep the fire burning.

            In order to push football, there is the need for more fields that can be used for the game.

            Unlike basketball where you have a full court or even a half court in various open spaces around communities, including those in the urban areas, football needs much more land in order to build a small field.

            The lack of fields hampers the growth of the sport, but despite that, it has been noticed that many of the small schools, who don’t even have a decent place to play at, have established football clubs or teams.

            With more children playing, many of the former players, who are now fathers or mothers, are also playing the sport again.

            With the 40-above division, the former players have found an opportunity to flex their muscles and be on the go to help them cope with the energy of their kids through a fun way, which is playing the game they love with others from their age category.

            With the European Championships or the Euro now ongoing, the popularity of football is seen to get another boost.

            Hopefully with more people playing and more places helping start their own clubs, our politicians or those who can help build fields would also come forward to offer their assistance.

            It is also worthwhile to note that football need not end after school if your children want to be serious about it.  The United Football League (UFL), the country’s premier league, has opened the opportunity for the players to earn a living playing the game.

            Soon, we might also be sending out football players among our Overseas Filipino Workers.

The winners of the special awards for the 40-above division


The goalkeeper of Queen City United saves an attempt by ERCO in the shootout.


Queen City United players celebrate their 40-above title.


Intense football action in the final match of the 12th Cebu Interclub.


The Queen City United men's team goalie saves an attempt by Hiroshi.


More action from the final match of the men's open category.

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