When Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) President Ricky Yanson started the NOFA Cup in 2015, he did so with the vision of molding the character of young football players. He said, “… most importantly, we aspire to develop the athletes’ personal lives. By imparting discipline through sports to these youngsters, we will be able to develop good players and better persons on and off the pitch.”
On May 29 to June 2, 2019, the NOFA Cup is holding the fourth edition of the annual nationwide football tournament dedicated to grassroots players (boys aged 12 years old and below).
Twenty-four teams from all over the country are traveling to Bacolod City for the welcome festivities at Bacolod’s SMX Convention Center, and the matches to be held at the Sta. Maria Football Field.
All of the participants can expect a competitive nine-a-side tournament wherein they also experience the hospitable Negrense culture while learning values of team spirit, excellence, and fair play.
Among the 24 teams, eight are from Luzon: Ceres Youth FC, Claret School of Quezon City, Federated Football Association of Masbate, Hedcen, Loyola FC, Makati FC, Sugod Malaya FC and One La Salle, the champion of the 2018 NOFA Cup who is returning to defend their title.
Eleven teams are from the Visayas: Bacong FC, Barotac Nuevo FC, Baybay FC Jaguars, Don Bosco FC – Cebu, Dynamic FC, Green Global FC, Janiuaynon Defenders FCI, Kidz United FC, Negros Oriental – Siquijor Regional Football Association (NOSIRFA), LGU Barotac Nuevo, and Panay FA.
And five teams are from Mindanao: Davao Crocs FC, Golden Harvest, Marist Kidapawan, Mt. Apo Regional FA, and Marawi Ground Zero which is composed of neophyte footballers who have learned the sport in the war-torn region.
“The NOFA Cup is a great venue where young players can play and interact with other teams,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Grassroots Officer Dave Javellana. The nine-a-side format, longer playing time (two halves composed of 30 minutes each half), and a guarantee of at least five matches per team enhance the total development of players. “Learning is shared among players and coaches all throughout,” Coach Dave pointed out.
With the implementation of the offside rule this year, the games are definitely going to be more challenging and more beneficial for the emerging football players. As PFF Technical Director Coach Aris Caslib explained, “The complex environment helps the player make courageous football decisions and be better footballers and apply this decision-making in life. When players make choices, it is always collective in nature… so much so that respect, support and encouragement from team mates develop.”
Since the NOFA Cup attracts teams from different parts of the archipelago, the players, as well as their coaches, prepare to go “head-to-head” with tougher opponents. Mr. Mike Andan whose sons have played in previous NOFA Cups offered this insight: “Only the NOFA Cup can gather a diverse lineup. The players encounter teams that they have never played against before and they know that these teams are the best from their respective provinces. This fact motivates them to perform to the best of their abilities.”
Yet amid an exciting atmosphere, what makes the NOFA Cup even more unique is the welcome dinner where the hosts introduce Negrense food and culture to the attendees and where teams also sing and dance during the program. “These solidarity nights create a strong spirit of togetherness,” said Coach Aris.
Thus, the NOFA Cup is not simply a football tournament. “It is beyond competition. It is a journey of young football players to experience football and life,” Coach Aris concluded.
For more information about the NOFA Cup, visit the Negros Occidental Football Association Facebook page. Selected games will be live streamed. Please refer to the NOFA Facebook page for the details.
