19th Aboitiz Cup kicks off today

The 19th edition of the annual Aboitiz Football Cup gets underway with a unique opening ceremony that will take place at 4 p.m. today during the halftime break of the Philippine Football League (PFL) match between Global Cebu FC and FC Meralco Manila at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The Cebu Football Association has decided to incorporate the opening of the Aboitiz Cup with the PFL action to showcase CFA's program specifically designed for aspiring booters.

Through that, the CFA hopes that the players, both in the grassroots level and in higher classes especially the men’s open division, will be inspired more to excel in their field and become part of the PFL someday.

In fact, the likes of Global Cebu FC’s John Roy Melgo, Kaya Makati’s goal keeper Ref Cuaresma, and Stallion Laguna’s Dan Villarico have first honed their skills by playing in the Aboitiz Cup.

Through the years, the Aboitiz Cup has been a breeding ground for national team players and it is committed to keep producing more talents to represent the country abroad.

For today’s kick-off, the players who will be in their team uniform will be given free access to the venue and get to watch the PFL game live.

Over 4,000 players from at least 120 teams will see action in this year's Aboitiz Cup. Games proper will commence tomorrow yet.---Caecent

No-ot Magsumbol