IN A bid to improve its finish in the football competition, the Palarong Pambansa bound squad is to compete in the Baguio City Summer Vacation men’s Open Football League slated March 11.
Coach Aris Bocalan of the Baguio City football squad said the tournament aims to strengthen the team’s chances in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa to be held in the Antique.
“This tournament hopes to toughen up our team,” added Bocalan.
Last year, the Cordillera team only scored a lone victory against the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao while falling against Bicol, Caraga and Davao Region in the eliminations.
“Every year iba – iba kasi ang composition ng team but this time, this early we want to train the boys for us to be able to adjust kung ano yung kulang sa team,” added Bocalan.
At least nine squad have already signed up for the month long tournament which will be played at the Baguio Athletic Bowl during the weekend.
Teams for the 11 –a-side competition are Baguio City High School , BSU Alumni, University of Baguio, El Futboleros, Quezon Hill National High School, Blue Lions, Baguio United Football Club, Kings College and BSBT.
Baguio will represent the region in the national games after nipping Benguet in the finals of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association, 2-1.
Meanwhile, local football group Cordillera Goshenland Football Club is set to hold a summer football clinic starting March 11 at the athletic bowl every Saturday and Sundays) for kids ages 8 under, 10 under and 12 under.
Enrolment fee per module which is 10 sessions is P1,000 including two training shirts.
Interested participants may download clinic forms from Goshenland facebook account or u may contact Ross Rillera at (0927)470 - 8354 to register.
Bocalan, together with Gatan Dalang will form the coaching staff of the clinic to be assisted by current college varsity players who was also a graduate of the club's football program.
The clinic will follow the Fifa grassroots football program as the instructional approach.
According to the Fifa approach, "Football above all is a game, presented as play, simplified and adapted to the children's characteristics." Under the Fifa approach, grassroots football should present the two basic concepts of football: cooperation and opposition and explains grassroots football is an excellent means of physical, motor, psychomotor, mental and social training. (Roderick Osis)