REGISTRATION has opened for the 12th SOS Children's Villages Philippines Football Festival, dubbed as "Going beyond: Children's Rights through Football Development", set on October 20 at the Crocodile Park Grounds in Davao City.

SOS Children's Villages fund development coordinator Roxie Paguyan, in Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum Thursday, August 9, held at The Annex of SM City Davao, said they hope to gather some 140 teams.

"This is a fundraising event that will benefit the educational fund of SOS Children's Villages," she said. Thus, they aim to reach their target to benefit more children.

Participants from Kidapawan City, Maco, Compostela Valley and Davao City expressed interest in joining the annual event.

"If ever there will be teams from outside Davao City, they are welcome to sleep over at the SOS Children's Villages for free," Paguyan said.

Paguyan, however, said aside from the regular categories which include the mixed under six, boys under 10 (U10), boys under 13, boys under 18 and girls under 16, the football festival also introduced the men's open and women's open.

Noel Presto of Maharlika Sports Institute, meanwhile, bared that there will be a skills test challenge as a side event.

Registration fees are P500 (U6), P800 (U10), P1,000 (U13, U16, U18) and P1,500 (men's and women's open).

Deadline of registration is on October 1. (ABM)