MANILA – More than 300 children from across Taguig City's public and private schools and local clubs joined the inaugural Arca South Invitational Football Cup, which concluded in Western Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday.

The two-day event featured five age categories: U6 (Barça Academy MNL, Forza FC and Phoenix FC Academy), U8 (Barça Academy MNL-BLAU, Barça Academy MNL-GRANA, Eres Embo FC and Forza FC), U10 ( Barça Academy MNL-BLAU, Barça Academy MNL-GRANA, Stars United, Eres Embo FC and Forza FC), U12 (Barça Academy MNL-BLAU, Barça Academy MNL-GRANA, Stars United, Eres Embo FC and Forza FC), and U14 (Barça Academy MNL, Forza FC, West Bicutan High School, Stars United and Gat Andres Bonifacio HS).

With the FIFA-certified Arca South Pitch as home to the Barça Academy Manila, the official academy of FC Barcelona in the Philippines, young athletes benefit from elite training and mentorship from one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, further cementing Arca South Estate’s role as a launchpad for grassroots sports excellence.

"We want to share the methodology and values we have in Barcelona. We teach all levels," said Barca Academy Manila technical director Joel Llinàs, who attended the opening ceremony along with Mylene Mendoza, marketing and advertising head of Arca South Estates Ayala Land, lawyer Aldrin Sinues, head of the Taguig Youth Development Office, and Robbie De Vera, a sports advocate and founder of event organizer XMPLR.

The tournament is designed to become a recurring initiative in Taguig’s sports program to promote community-building, inclusivity, and the city’s fast-growing football culture.

“Through the Arca South Invitational Football Cup, we are not only showcasing grassroots football talent but also creating a platform for convergence, sportsmanship, and long-term engagement within Taguig,” said Gilbert Ramos, senior project development head of Ayala Land Estates.

Arca South, a 74-hectare mixed-use estate developed by Ayala Land, is strategically located within proximity of Makati CBD and Bonifacio Global City – in the loop with Metro Manila’s foremost master-planned estates. (PNA)