82 teams brace for Philam tourney

THE fifth season of the AIA Philam Life 7s Football League will fire off on Sunday at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City, with a total of 82 teams set to battle for supremacy across the three tournaments.

Seeing exponential growth in the past years, 24 teams will duke it out in the two divisions of the men’s category while 10 squads will see action in the women’s side as well as 48 teams in the youth group.

“It’s going to be very competitive. We’re pretty excited. I can’t wait for the season to start and see the teams battle it out,” said 7s Football League founder and former Philippine Akzals defender Anton Del Rosario during a news conference on Thursday at The Belle and Dragon Restaurant in Makati.

“( We’re excited) not only for the men’s but also for the women’s and especially the youth. Based on what we saw last season from the youth, the future is very bright,” he added.

With its aim of developing grassroots football, the 7- a- side league will expand to various cities in different parts of the country this season.

The games will kick off simultaneously in Taguig, Muntinlupa, Clark, Bacolod and Davao while the Iloilo leg will start on February 15.

“This year is going to be very special. We see growth every season. And this season we’re looking to focus a lot of attention on the provinces,” said Del Rosario.

Last year, 66 teams participated in the league that fittingly closed with a football clinic spearheaded by renowned footballer and AIA global ambassador David Beckham.

Super Eagles FC will seek to defend its throne in the men’s Division 1 while Stallion- Hiraya FC will eye to retain the crown in the women’s side.