PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch Ramirez” announced last Monday plans for a new national football tournament for Under-13 players to be held next year at the newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Stadium, in support of the “Football Para sa Lahat” development program of the country’s various football associations.
Ramirez made the announcement during the launch of the Luzon Cup football tournament for Under-12 players led by the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) and the Central Luzon Football Association (CLFA). The Luzon Cup will be held from Nov. 21-Nov. 24 at the Jose V. Yap Sports and Recreational Complex in San Jose, Tarlac.
Ramirez delighted the football groups and football enthusiasts with his surprise announcement and also expressed his gratitude for the football groups’ efforts to promote sports development in the regions. He said the new tourney can feature the champions of the NOFA Cup, Mindanao Cup, and the coming Luzon Cup, age-group tournaments backed by the NOFA and its partner groups.
“We will offer Rizal Memorial Stadium for the national championship to add some support, para tuluy-tuloy na kayo,” Ramirez told the enthusiastic crowd.
The PSC chair added that he has a special affinity for football, saying his grand-daughter based in the US competes at a high level for a spot in the US age-group teams.
