CHAMPS. Ateneo de Manila Grade School’s Midget D Born-2013 Football Varsity Team wins the Rizal Football Association (RIFA) tournament title at the Moro Field of the Ateneo De Manila University in Katipunan, Quezon City on April 13, 2024. Ateneo routed the Claret School of Quezon City, 7-2, in the championship round. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – The Ateneo de Manila Grade School’s Midget D Born-2013 Football Varsity Team outscored the Claret School of Quezon City, 7-2, to clinch the Rizal Football Association (RIFA) tournament title.
Ateneo leaned on Most Valuable Player Jacob Navarro and goalkeeper Nick Alexander “Niall” Enciso to claim the crown after a lopsided championship round at the Moro Field of the Ateneo De Manila University in Katipunan, Quezon City on April 13.
“It’s really exciting for all of us to do this together. We trained hard for this. We remembered everything our coaches taught us to be the best team on that field,” Enciso said after the match.
“We dedicate this win to the Ateneo community, our coaches, our families, and our friends,” he added.
“Most of all, we dedicate this win to each other because this is something we will look back on to remember the hard work and sacrifice that come with the win,” Navarro also said.
The team, headed by head coach JP Merida and assistant coach Jerwin Belina, is also composed of Miguel Tagarda, Ryan Moti, Jose Bernal, Altis Villaseñor, Ryuji Alminar, Daniel Guerrero Jr., Ethan Villanueva, Marcus Cuyugan, Ryu Famorcan, Miggy Pineda, Mateo Roman, Kenzie Maglonso, Zac Diaz, Vayil Querol, Ethan Alferez, Temujin Posadas, Zach Bautista, and Gab Castro.
On the way to the championship round, the Ateneo Midgets D Born-2013 also had to contend with formidable opponents, such as the Colegio San Agustin Boys and Holistic Education and Development Center (HEDCen) football varsity teams.
Founded in 1963, the RIFA tournament aims to cater to the youth in hopes of enhancing their football skills.
It also wants to develop cooperation and teamwork, help with positive social skills, and teach respect for others. (PR)
