The 24th Aboitiz Football Cup has officially kicked off in Lipa City, Batangas, at the new Biz Hub within LIMA Estate. This prestigious tournament, running from November 23 to December 14, serves as a major platform for young Filipino football talent. It brings together teams from Batangas, Metro Manila, and other provinces to compete and foster a strong sense of community and sportsmanship.
A Showcase for the Next Generation of Athletes
The Aboitiz Football Cup is celebrated as the longest-running grassroots sports program in the Philippines. This year’s event features a wide range of age groups, from U-8 to U-18, ensuring that players at different stages of their development get a chance to shine.
The tournament is not just a single event but a series of regional competitions. Before landing in Batangas, legs were held in Tarlac, Cebu, and Davao. This expansion demonstrates the Cup’s growing national reach and its mission to unite young athletes from all over the country.
Clifford Academia, an executive at Aboitiz InfraCapital, highlighted the event’s importance. He stated, “The 24th Aboitiz Football Cup is more than a tournament; it’s a manifestation of the Aboitiz Group’s Great Transformation as we champion the sport of football in the Philippines.” The ultimate prize for the top U-16 and U-18 teams is a chance to play in an exhibition match in Cebu, where the tournament first began.
LIMA Estate Offers the Perfect Venue
The choice of Biz Hub at LIMA Estate as the venue is a strategic one. As the first master-planned business district in Batangas, it provides a modern and integrated environment for the competition. The 70-hectare hub is designed to blend business, leisure, and residential living seamlessly.
At the heart of the venue is the Aboitiz Pitch, a premier football field designed to host major sporting events. Its location is ideal, surrounded by amenities that enhance the experience for players and spectators alike.
| Feature | Description |
| Location | Biz Hub at LIMA Estate, Lipa City, Batangas |
| Area | 70 hectares |
| Facilities | Aboitiz Pitch, The Outlets, LIMA Exchange |
| Community Integration | Residential neighborhoods, shopping, dining |
This setup ensures that participants have easy access to dining, shopping, and other recreational activities, creating a festive and convenient atmosphere throughout the tournament.
Championing Sustainability on and off the Field
This year’s Aboitiz Football Cup places a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. In line with the Aboitiz Group’s ESG goals, the tournament has partnered with Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. to launch the “Wasteless Campaign.”
This initiative aims to teach young athletes the importance of sustainability. “We aim to harmonize sports with environmental stewardship, fostering a commitment to sustainability among the next generation,” Academia explained. The campaign is not just about talk; it involves concrete actions to minimize the event’s environmental footprint.
Key components of the Wasteless Campaign include:
- Zero-Waste Goals: Actively encouraging all participants and attendees to produce as little waste as possible during the event.
- Recycling Stations: Placing recycling bins in strategic locations throughout Biz Hub to make proper waste disposal easy and accessible.
- Educational Workshops: Hosting sessions to educate athletes and the community on effective sustainability practices they can apply in their daily lives.
These efforts are supported by the green and sustainable design of Biz Hub itself, making it a fitting location to promote positive environmental change.
Building a Stronger Community Through Sports
The Aboitiz Football Cup goes beyond being a simple competition. It is a powerful tool for community building and character development. The tournament instills values like discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship in its young participants.
By bringing together families, local businesses, and sports fans, the event strengthens the bonds within the community. It creates a supportive ecosystem where the achievements of young athletes are celebrated by everyone. This collective spirit fosters a culture of shared success.
Academia concluded by saying that impactful initiatives like the Football Cup and the ongoing development of LIMA Estate show Aboitiz InfraCapital’s dedication to creating a brighter, more sustainable future for Batangas and the entire country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aboitiz Football Cup?
The Aboitiz Football Cup is the Philippines’ longest-running grassroots football tournament. It is designed to discover and develop young Filipino athletes from various regions across the country.
Where is the 24th Aboitiz Football Cup taking place?
The main tournament is being held at the Aboitiz Pitch located within Biz Hub at LIMA Estate in Lipa City, Batangas. Regional legs were also previously held in Tarlac, Cebu, and Davao.
How long does the tournament run?
The Batangas leg of the tournament runs for four weekends, starting from November 23 and concluding on December 14.
What is the “Wasteless Campaign”?
The “Wasteless Campaign” is a sustainability program launched in partnership with Coca-Cola. It aims to promote a zero-waste lifestyle among athletes and spectators through education, recycling stations, and other initiatives.
Who are the participants in the tournament?
The tournament includes aspiring young athletes in teams from different age categories, ranging from Under-8 to Under-18. Participants come from Batangas, Metro Manila, and other nearby provinces.
