Mighty fierce champions
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The number of kids from different countries who wanted to touch the Gothia Cup and take selfies with players who own the title this year made it clear to the standouts of Makati Football Club just how important the tournament was.
“It’s a very big deal to win Gothia Cup because it’s the biggest youth football tournament in the world,” striker Martina Horn said after two of MFC’s clubs won the championship in Sweden. “Seeing how many teams from different countries come every year and try to win, it’s such a big deal to win Gothia Cup.”
As the trophies of the dominant Girls 12 and redemption-seeking Boys 13 squads were lifted by team members, athletes from other countries could only watch in awe.
The win turned the teams into quite the sensation, with competitors from other countries seeking out selfies with MFC standouts like Johannesbern Ortigas, the Boys 13 skipper from Negros Occidental who logged 20 goals for the team and was showered with admiration from fans and opponents.
“It’s not about us winning one championship game but the everyday sacrifices we make,” Oritgas, the talented striker, said. “I left my family in Negros and live in Manila for football. It’s not easy but I know it will be worth it. Winning a tournament like Gothia makes all the sacrifices all worth it.”
Toast of the tournament
He was not alone in basking in the glory of a triumphant foray into the world’s largest youth football program.
The Girls 12 squad was also the toast of the tournament after compiling 74 goals on the way to the crown—and conceding only one.
“Playing in the finals in front of many people including our kababayans in Sweden and singing the national anthem with them during the finals is by far the best experience I’ve had since I started playing football,” the 12-year-old striker Ariana Gementiza said.
“Last year we came to Gothia the first time and we played an older division. That I believe helped us win the finals this year cause we moved with more confidence and experience on the field,” added Gementiza, who had a total of 19 goals during the tournament to lead the squad.
Right direction
“Seeing how much support we got from strangers is very inspiring and motivating,” Gracie Gella, who had 14 goals in the tournament, said. “We get to touch other people’s lives just by enjoying and doing what we love. I am happy to have made our fellow Filipinos proud.”
More than that, the victories of MFC, which also ruled a tournament in Finland, validated the program’s direction as far as developing grassroots football is concerned.
But the club believes there is a long way to go to truly establish a sustainable development program that will benefit the country’s football status.
“Winning the championship in Gothia is a great feat for our club but it is only a tiny step forward to making real impact in the youth football in the Philippines,” Selu Lozano, the MFC president, said.
“Winning this tournament is a testament that we’re headed in the right direction in terms of improving our youth program but it’s only the beginning. I am happy to be able to continue the legacy and tradition my dad has started and I wish to continue it for this younger generation.” For now, the players will bask in the glory of their achievements.
1,910 teams
The youth club dominated Sweden’s Hammarby IF, 5-0, in the Girls 12 final and overcame adversity before walking off the pitch with a 6-4 win via penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation of the Boys 13 finale.
“The best part of winning is sharing it with the team,” said Ella Chua, who held the defense line and only conceded one goal throughout the tournament. “The best part of winning is sharing it with the team, family, and those back home in the Philippines who are cheering for us.”
“I’ll remember the championship but i’ll remember the friends I met here in Gothia and the fun we had in and out of the field. Amazing is an experience to be here,” said Cebuano midfielder Travis Villanea.
“We play well because we enjoy playing the game. We feel tired but we push ourselves to the limit that’s why we deserved the win. We’re so happy we won the world biggest youth tournament,” said Juan Carlo Morales, a defender and left back from Davao.
A total of 1,910 teams from 75 countries competed in the world’s largest youth football tournament.
Makati FC’s Girls 14, led by Yona dela Calzada and Shine Cadayona, put up a gallant stand before losing to eventual runnerup United States in the semifinals
“Seeing our teammates play in the arena with thousands of fans watching and cheering for them even the ones that are not from the Philippines makes me proud,” dela Calzada said. “I wish one day football will be as big in Philippines like how it is in other countries.”
