St. John's FC holds 1st End of Summer bootfest

ST. JOHN’S Football Club (SJFC) held its 1st End of Summer Football Festival at its Ayala Field in Talisay City last June 1 and 2.

The bootfest, which is part of St. John's grass roots program, is envisioned to be an annual event giving children the opportunity to develop their football talents. It capped the SJFC's Summer Training Program, run by Coach Peter Talbot and Coach Bernie Ortigas.

Over 70 teams comprising of shinbusters aged from six years old to 16 years old took part in the tourney. The teams came not only from Negros but also from the neighboring islands of Panay and Cebu.

The 13-under to 16-under age categories took center stage on Friday, June 1. Kanlaon Team from Negros Oriental bagged the 16-under boys title, Don Bosco Team settled for 1st Runner Up while Mandalagan Football Club salvaged 2nd Runner Up honors.

In the Ladies 16-under, Rizal Team A emerged champion over sister team Rizal Team B while Bacolod Team settled for 2nd Runner Up.

In the 13-under category, WildFox Team dominated Bago Team for the title while Monte Vista Team bagged 2nd Runner Up honors.

Jan Michael Baloyo was awarded MVP for the 13-under category.

On Saturday, June 2, it was the turn of the younger players aged six years old to 12 years old to hit the pitch.

Despite the rainy weather the tournament continued in fine spirit and high skill levels. All categories were fiercely competed.

In the 8-under category, the WildFox Team emerged champion with Don Bosco Team as 1st Runner Up) and SJFC as 2nd Runner Up.

In the Girls 10-under, SJFC stomped its class over Rizal Team for the title while Monte Vista Team settled for 2nd runner Up.

Bethany Talbot was awarded MVP for the 10-under Girls Category.

In the 10-under Category Mix, SJFC also emerged champion, Bago Team landed 1st Runner Up and Rising Star settled for 2nd Runner Up.

Paolo Go was awarded MVP for the 10-under Category.

Organizers lauded the tournament as a great success, even as SJFC thanked all its sponsors and the tremendous work and support of the parents without whom the bootfest woul;d not have been possible. (Butch Bacaoco/With Coach Peter Talbot)