HAVING steadily grown in just two seasons of staging, 7’s Football said a bigger and exciting third season is to be expected from the league with new presenting partners on board.
Set to roll off its new season on Feb. 3, the flourishing 7-a-side recreational football league is now being supported by Philam Life and Delimondo, something organizers said is a huge development relative to what they want to accomplish with the league.
“Having groups like Philam Life and Delimondo come on board is huge for us. It shows that we are going in the right direction with the league. We are really looking for a long relationship with groups for the sport to grow and for it to be sustainable. Partnerships are very important and finding the right partners would go a long way,” said Anton Del Rosario, founder and commissioner of 7’s Football.
Established last year, Mr. Del Rosario, a former member of the Philippine Azkals, said he is very encouraged with how things are panning out for the league across the board.
He said various stakeholders are high on what they are doing and giving their support.
“Things are just falling into place for us. Maybe it’s the Guy above looking after us wanting football to grow in the country,” said Mr. Del Rosario, who also shared that for the about-to-start season a more shored-up experience for participants and fans are to be expected.
Defending league champions Super Eagles will return and try to hold on to their title just as a combination of old and new squads are out to get their hands on the championship for the third season.
Laro, Ghana FC, Football Fanatics, Stallion Laguna FC, Real Amigos, Deportivo Matu, Tondo FC, and Enderrun will return while Bohemian Sporting Club, Superbad FC, and H&J All Stars are the new entrants.
Tournament format has the teams fighting in a single round-robin elimination with the top eight teams advancing to the next round.
7’s Football’s third season kicks off on Sunday with matches to be played at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City. ESPN5 is the league’s official TV partner. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
