Laguna booters test Baguio teams
AN ELITE squad from Don Bosco-Laguna is set to test the mettle of six other Baguio squads for the Melvin Jones Soccer Invitational slated June 26 and 27 at the Melvin Jones football grounds.
The tournament, under the Baguio United Football Club (BUFC), will pit Baguio's six football squads including Baguio Mix for the two-day football festival, according to coach Anton Gomez.
"The future of Baguio soccer will be on display versus the elite team from Don Bosco-Laguna which are Slovenia bound. Let's support the Baguio teams," Gomez quipped.
Reeling from the success of the Baguio Pine Cup Open, the BUFC is also planning to hold more tournaments to generate awareness and interest in the sport and at the same time lure more teams from the city and the lowlands.
He said the tournament hopes not only to perk up interest in the sport among young Filipinos but also to encourage children to play football not only for its physical-fitness benefits, but also for developing good social behavior.
"In many countries, especially in Europe, football is being used to combat antisocial behavior and promote self-esteem," Gomez continued.
"It teaches children the importance of teamwork - the only way a [football] game can be won - as well as the value of commitment and discipline. It enables children to experience joy of victory and the sadness of loss and teaches them how to handle both emotions," he added.
Baguio-Benguet Football Association (BBFA) president Leo Arnaiz earlier said they are hoping to have more tournaments this year to draw support for soccer talent discovery.
The BBFA is the local organization duly recognized by the Philippine Football Federation.
"With the new direction of the federation to promote more tournaments especially in the grassroots level, we are optimistic we would soon discover fresh talents in soccer," Arnaiz said.
He is optimistic that every tournament will reach its aim of promoting the game in the city where soccer players from all over the country and other countries can come and play as well as enjoy the charm of Baguio.
"Football is hugely popular in Asia and the Middle East, but the Philippines is one of the few exceptions. If Filipinos took football as seriously as they do basketball, then I'm sure they would be successful in Asia and do well on the world level," Arnaiz added.