CITY OF MALOLOS– Athletes from inside and outside the province gathered and played in a friendly competition in an aim to promote football as a sport for all ages in the first-ever Singkaban Football Festival held at the Bulacan Sports Complex in this city last Sunday.
According to Atty. Kenneth Z. Ocampo-Lantin, Provincial Youth, Sports, and Public Employment Service Office Head, the one-day tournament was conducted as the counterpart of games played during barangay feasts.
“Dito tayo sa palaro na kung saan kahit sino, babae, lalaki, bata, matanda, lahat ng mga abled body ay maaaring mag-enjoy at mag-partake sa ating football game,” Lantin said.
Meanwhile, Tournament Director Coach Emmanuel Robles of Pinoy Wolves, Inc. thanked the Provincial Government of Bulacan headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando for supporting their cause of introducing football to the youth.
“Ito po ang kauna-unahang Football Festival kaya naman marami ang natutuwa. Free din po ito kaya marami po ang nahikayat na mag-join. Dinayo rin po tayo ng mga kaibigan natin mula sa ibang lalawigan. Sana rin po ay masundan pa ang ganitong klase ng gawain dito sa ating lalawigan,” Robles said.
He also encouraged the youth to try playing football and start in a young age to be able to hone their skills as early as possible.
The Football Festival had nine playing categories including U7 or seven years old and below, U9, U11, U13, Boys U15, Boys U17, Women’s Open, Men’s Open, and 40 and above.
Pinoy Wolves Football (FC) won both the U7 and Boys U15 categories; Angono FC got the championships for the U9 and U11 categories; Lobos FC topped the U13 category; Sta. Maria FC beat all their competitors on Boys U17; St. Agatha FC-A champed the Women’s Open category; Empire FC dominated the Men’s Open; and Dati Fit FC ruled the 40 and above category.
Aside from the champions, 1st to 3rd runners up and special awards for MVP, Golden Booth, Best Midfielder, Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, and Fair Play were awarded for each category.
Champions to 2nd runners up were given trophy, team certificate, and medals to each registered players, while 3rd runners up were given trophy and team certificate. Also, all winners of special awards received gold medals each.
